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As a competitive swimmer in my younger days, I always had an ambition of swimming across something in open water. Not a river, as that may be too easy, and certainly not the channel, as that would just be ridiculous. However, when I stopped swimming the thought that I would need to get water fit again to achieve my ambition just felt like a step too far, especially as I wasn't too keen on getting wet! 

Then 2020 happened! Not the best of years for me, but one good thing that did occur, I started to swim again. The first swim that I did, don't ask me why, but I thought I'd swim a mile. Well, I did but trust me it hurt, not to mention I was a little slow. Anyway, since that swim I've stuck with it, I've purchased and squeezed myself into a wetsuit, and progressed to open water swimming, albeit that's been in a lake, not the sea. The sea will be my next step in the spring of 2023. 

In 2022, I found out about The Solent Swim, which although I knew it would be a challenge, it is realistic, not to mention I have crossed that stretch of water many times, albeit on a ferry! I have also had the benefit of working with Aspire in my day job for many years, so I've seen first hand what Aspire can do for people who suffer spinal injuries. All in all, the challenge seemed like the perfect match for me to achieve my ambition. So, weather permitting, on 23 September 2023, I should be swimming 2.5 - 3 miles across The Solent. 

I'm not going to lie, there are days when I think, oh my god, what have I let myself in for, especially, when I start to think of being out in a busy shipping lane a mile out at sea, but I guess that's what makes it a challenge, for which any donations will be gratefully received.