I'm travelling to South Africa in April to complete the "Freedom swim" from Robben Island (where Mandela was prisoner) across to the mainland. As a keen open water swimmer, this is my "channel swim" and my ultimate challenge. It's 7.5km in the cold,13'c, Atlantic Ocean. I'm hoping to avoid being noticed by the great white sharks that frequent these waters and instead be joined by friendly dolphins along the way (in an ideal world). 

I'm training regularly in a pool because the North Sea, where I live, is currently only 5'c & too cold to distance train. The very nice man, Deano Huub, (who designs wetsuits for the Brownlee brothers) has very kindly offered to make me a bespoke wetsuit to camouflage me from the great whites 

Why am I doing this? For my love of the ocean and all it's inhabitants (including Mr Shark) and especially our marine mammals. 

As a BDMLR qualified  marine mammal medic myself, I am part of the primary marine animal rescue organisation in the UK- often called upon by HM Coastguards, police, fire brigade & RSPCA to deal with strandings of whale, dolphin & porpoise and to help poorly injured underweight seals. 

The charity provides equipment to deal with strandings, oil spills & fishing gear entanglements, including rescue boats, equipment trailers, whale & dolphin pontoon sets, whale dis entanglement kits & regional medic kits and essential supplies 

As humans we have introduced unnatural dangers to the marine habitat and continue to decimate some species

I want to make a difference. I want to help those animals that now suffer

I'm prepared to train hard and complete this swim knowingly putting myself at risk of being sushi

In return for my efforts - please would you sponsor me?

I will be eternally grateful 

Thank you xxxxxx

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