So I'm racing my first ever swimming race of my adult life in 2 weeks at Eton Dorney in a lake. I've had to quickly remind myself what it's like to swim when you're not on holiday, and soon I will be facing the scary prospect of getting into a dirty, dark, cold lake and swimming without any sides to take breaks on, for 750 meters, with many many other swimmers who may or may not swim over/round/through me. 

I'm doing this for Cancer Research UK because everyone is affected by Cancer in some way during their lifetimes, and because someone very close to me is currently suffering from mouth cancer. She's nearly half way through her radiotherapy treatment and is dealing with some serious side effects. That person is my 30 year old sister and mum of two and here's her blog http://mycancerandme.wordpress.com/ 

A swim is nothing compared to dealing with Cancer, but if you can spare a few quid to spur me on I'll really appreciate it. Knowing that if I chicken out/drown I'll be letting you all down will surely keep me afloat!

Thanks so much in advance - wish me luck!