My challenge

**Stop press - I did it! For more information about this challenge go to https://fb.watch/elg4PJ2jRn/ or look out for updates on my blog page where I have catalogued the challenge: https://www.deniseyeats.co.uk/blog.html Please continue to donate! **

In June this year I have set myself a solo challenge of completing a '24 Hour Aquabike' to raise money for Carers UK and Carers Scotland. The plan is to take the model of a standard distance aquabike event (1500m swim followed by a 40k bike) and repeat the process over a 24 hour period as many times as I can.

Subject to final logistical arrangements, this personal challenge will take place in the Teddington/Richmond area of London where all of the activity will happen outside, yes, no turbo or indoor cycling here, and I will do all of the swimming elements in the Thames. Appropriately enough, I plan to undertake this challenge on 23^rd June, close to the summer solstice, I am sure that it will certainly feel like the longest day for me!

My motivation

After years spent creating events for charities, I wanted to give something back to a charity that has become close to my heart. During the pandemic I worked with Carers UK and Carers
Scotland to bring some of their events online using new technology. Speaking with the people the charity supports, the carers, had a massive impact on me. Having met so many people during the virtual conferences their love for the person they care
for and their selflessness, strength and kindness were so obvious. Also, as part of a series of video conversations I did about resilience and challenge, I had the privilege of speaking in depth to a good friend of mine, Shäron from my home city of Aberdeen about her caring responsibilities, and it really had a profound effect on me. Shäron is the full time carer for her 22 year old daughter who has a very rare genetic condition, as she said:

 “I think every parent or family who also has a caring role will know you have to fight for the person you’re caring for. Carers are often known as ’The Silent Warriors’ “

Doing the aquabike on my own for 24 hours will be an unrelenting physical and mental challenge, but after 24 hours it’s finished.
Being a carer doesn’t finish after 24 hours and without support it can be lonely and scary. There are no medals and often very little recognition for the important role that carers have in families and in society. Thankfully there are people with their strength and courage to care, and organisations like Carers UK, to help these remarkable individuals. If I can raise some funds for Carers UK and Carers
Scotland, it will be an added incentive for me to keep strong when the going gets tough.

How your fundraising can help

£15 could enable two carers to take a break from their caring and join a supportive hour-long Care for a Cuppa online chat

£50 could enable four carers to get tips and guidance on improving their wellbeing or develop new skills at one of our regular Share and Learn sessions

£100 could staff our Helpline for a day, helping connect over 20 carers to much-needed information and support from one of our trained advisers

​You can read more about the 24 Hour Aquabike, the challenges I will face, and updates about my training and fundraising on my blog here.