When I heard about this Swimathon, I decided to swim in memory of my uncles, Jens and Hans Nissen, who both died of cancer (my uncle Jens died in October), but above all, I decided to swim for the many people I know who have survived and live with cancer.

This is my first fundraiser, and while I have always been a good swimmer, I have never been interested before in swimming a specific distance or time, and had no idea what would be a challenging and reasonable enough distance for me to swim or how long it would take me. So Tuesday last week, I did my first trial swim at the JW Marriott in Pune and swam 2 kilometres (80 lengths @ 25m) in just under an hour. I have never swum that long before and felt great afterwards! To challenge myself a little (but not too much) I have decided to swim 2.5 kilometres at my local pool in Swiss Cottage, London, on 28 March 2020. I will not set myself a time goal, I will just swim. 

Your support will be very much appreciated - I will be so grateful for any donations I can raise! 

I tried to adjust the donation buttons to set smaller donation amounts - they are pre-set - but don't know how to change that. Please do not be discouraged by the amounts - you can enter your own donation in the box!! Every pound or dollar or euro will be very much appreciated!!!!

Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie are calling on the nation to get down to the pool for Swimathon 2020 - thousands of swimmers, two great causes, one big charity challenge. Cancer Research UK, the world's leading cancer charity is dedicated to saving lives through research. They don't receive any government funding for their work, so their progress is all thanks to the support of people like you. Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. Around 2,100 Marie Curie Nurses work day and night, in peoples homes all over the UK, providing hands-on care to people when they need it most.On 27th - 29th March, over 21,000 swimmers will be heading to over 600 pools across the UK to raise money for our two amazing charity partners. Together we can really make a difference. We invite our swimmers to tell their story to help spread awareness and raise vital funds for these two incredible causes.