I have signed up to complete 1.5 Km at the Brockwell Lido, and started fundraising for Cancer Research UK. Unfortunately, I now have a fracture in a vertebra in my spine and won’t be able to swim - at least for now!

So, I can stop fundraising here, OR continue and raise even more for this great charity. And you can make an exception for me this time because I can’t swim. But I promise to swim the pledged distance as soon as I can. I want to continue raising funds, will you support me with this?!

As some of you know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. I have completed all main treatments: 6 months of chemotherapy hell, a bilateral mastectomy, radiotherapy and am now on other treatments.

From the beginning of this nightmare, I was lucky enough to take part in a trial for an immunotherapy drug at Guy’s Cancer Center. And I am hoping soon that drugs of this sort will be an option that will rescue all women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Anyone who has lived through the horror of hearing those words ‘you have cancer’, gone through the dreadful treatments, and even after remission has experienced the anxiety of having a recurrence…anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer, knows how essential it is to push research so we can find ways of beating this disease.

This is in memory of my dearest two cousins, Yasmine and Roula Saudi, my darling auntie Fathieh Saudi, my sweet friend Roula Ayoubi, my wonderful auntie Amina Al Batal, the lovely Nuzha, the inspirational Leila Mikdadi Al Qattan, and many more, all of whom left us too soon and are sorely missed.

But mostly, I wanted to swim to remind myself of the strength within..of what I can do to feel alive. I can’t wait to get into the water in hopefully a few weeks.

X X Dia 

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Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie are calling on the nation to get down to the pool for Swimathon 2021 - thousands of swimmers, two great causes, one big charity challenge. Cancer Research UK, the worlds 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 10-12 September, over 21,000 swimmers will be heading to over 300 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.