I've been swimming for a few nears now, mainly to keep fit and because I can't run (the knees have gone!), setting myself various challenges over the years such as Lake Coniston (end-to-end) and the Dart 10K. 

This next challenge is by far the most important though as I'm raising funds for Aspire who do amazing working providing practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury, supporting them from injury to independence.

In September 2020, I will be part of a team swimming across the English Channel from England to France. This is a distance of approximately 22 miles but could be more depending on weather and currents.

One key rule - NO WETSUITS ALLOWED. So, cold water swimming acclimatization is essential. In addition to my regular training, I will be building up my tolerance over the coming months to cold water swimming culminating in a 2 hour cold water swim in, yes you've guessed it, just Speedos!!

I will keep you posted as to how my preparations are going and I what else l will be doing to achieve my fund-raising target.

Just keep swimming ...

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