On the 10^th July, Sarah Philpott will be swimming around the Channel Island of Jersey to raise money for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust who support young people who are facing disadvantage throughout the United Kingdom.

Sarah is no stranger to sporting challenges. Twenty years ago, she was a consistent face on the GB Triathlon Team for over 5yrs, and last year within 5 months, Sarah trained for and successfully accomplished swimming 21 miles across the Engllish Channel, the world's most iconic piece of water.

However, despite these achievements, Sarah has dealt with depression for over 14 years. Feeling bewildered about ‘how’ a person with depression can both physically and mentally achieve such high performance, Sarah reached out to Dame Kelly Holmes, double Olympic gold medallist, who perhaps is lesser known for her struggles with mental health. Sarah knew that Kelly would understand their shared experience, and she choose to support the Trust for her next challenge.

So what does the Trust do?? They create opportunities and pathways for young people who are facing disadvantage in their lives. They do this by using former world class athletes to create programmes that help improve their wellbeing, build healthy relationships and unlock the confidence, self-esteem and resilience needed to achieve in education, work and life. Since 2008, the Trust have supported thousands of young people to gain permanent employment, become leaders in their community and progress within education. At the same time the Trust have supported over 500 athletes as they transition out of elite sport.

Not just satisfied with swimming around Jersey, Sarah wants to take on an even bigger challenge later in the year. In September, Sarah hopes to be first (or fastest) woman to swim from the island of Jersey to France and BACK again!! This feat of endurance has only ever been accomplished once, and the race is on for the title of first woman. Sarah is looking for sponsors to accompany her as she battles her way through cross currents, and the third largest tidal range in the world!

For more information and to follow Sarah’s journey visit: Facebook or Twitter And follow the build-up and swim itself via the Trust’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.