Yes, it is that time of year again! At the end of March I will be swimming 15k in the hope that you will give generously and support Cancer Research UK and palliative care providers, Marie Curie. Why am I doing this? Well, the easy answer is for my sister, Mary (aged 50), my brother-in-law, Mark (aged 40) and my father, Hugh – who are no longer with us having succumbed to cancer. Sadly, that is just the tip of the iceberg; many members of my family, as well as friends and work colleagues, have contracted cancer. The good news is that some have survived and are cured, and some continue to live with the disease, knowing that it is no longer a miracle but a realistic possibility that they, too, will be cured. Due to research, which is partly supported by private donations from events like this, the odds of surviving cancer improve every day that goes by. And for those whose illness is terminal, here in the UK Marie Curie provides essential and excellent end-of-life palliative care.

Last year, Swimathon 2019 raised over £1.8 million for Cancer Research and Marie Curie, and with your help I raised almost £3,500 to contribute to that impressive total. This year I want more! So take out a credit card,  hit the Donate button (you can't miss it, it's up there on the right) and please give as much as you can (as many zeros as possible!).

Thanks!!