Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Those that know me well will tell you I'm your typical couch potato!  62, overweight, never done any exercise other than a few token "strolls" across the Chase or the occasional swim - but then only if I had a friend with me so I could chat whilst I swam.  Last November I joined Slimming World in an attempt to lose weight and I decided I needed to get myself moving. A new Leisure Centre opened close to the Dagenham site and during the Christmas period I went along to suss it out with a view to going before work in the New Year. Little did I expect to fall in love with the pool and it wasn't long before my once or twice a week stints became an almost daily routine. At one time I used to get up at 7am, plonk myself down in front of the tele’ to watch GMTV with my knitting until it was time to drag myself upstairs to get ready for work, but now I am disciplined to get up at 6.30am, cossie on and out to the pool. I have even come to enjoy being on my own and love swimming up and down lost in my own thoughts. I cannot describe how good it makes me feel and it is great now the weight is coming off because I am also toning myself. I have tried to encourage everyone I know to come and join me - I want them to get the same buzz that it has given me.  Some people have said they feel embarrassed about exposing their bodies in a swimsuit but I would encourage them to imagine how a teenager must feel when they lose their hair because of their chemo treatment?  Also I say to myself 'who's going to look at me anyway' so please, get rid of those inhibitions!  So far I have six buddies - we all go on differing days and times but it's great to walk in and see a friendly face and give a little wave before the swimming begins. I am not a good swimmer by any means but I want to do my bit for the Teenage Cancer Trust.  I am going to donate £10 a month as I swim and if anyone feels they want to chip in then that will be a bonus. If anyone wants to come and join me in the pool I can only say it's a great start to the day. Finally I must say a special thank you to the person who inspired me by sewing the seed in my mind initially and encouraging me in the early days - they know who they are.

 

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.