Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me and supported me in my challenge of competing in the Great North Swim 1 mile open water swim.  I completed the swim in 35mins 47 seconds.   The whole day was great fun but I have to say I am so pleased it's over, I really was nervous.  The water felt freezing although we were assured that is was 15.1 degrees.  Having never taken part in an open water swim before I found the start rather daunting - 200 swimmers rushing into the water - I have to admit I got swum over a bit and it took me a little time to settle down.  But I took my time as my aim was to make sure I completed the swim, however next time (am I really saying this!) I'm going to make sure I'm not in the middle or will be a bit more aggressive myself!. 

I'm still collecting in sponsor money so will keep updating this site with the total over the next couple of weeks - but thank you again to everyone who has been so generous, it really is very kind of you.

On September 13th 2008 I am attempting to complete a 1 mile open water swim in Lake Windermere.  In order to make sure I don't "chicken out" I have decided to raise money for the MacMillan Nurses through the MacMillian Cancer Support Organisation and invite you to sponsor me by guessing how long you think it will take me to complete the one mile swim.

I realise that in these "credit crunch" times things are difficult but every £ is very much appreciated and believe me I will certainly earn that £ for you!  If that's not good enough reason how about these thoughts of mine:

- I didn't realise that Windermere is nearly in Scotland - the water's going to be "B" cold

- I'm over 40, drink, smoke, go to bed late and probably eat all the wrong food - it's about time I gave my poor body a challenge!

The swim is certainly a challenge for me and seemed like a good idea at the time a couple of months ago (and seems like a very silly idea now!).  I practiced when I was on holiday in Spain but have to say the water was rather a lot warmer than the lake at Leybourne, Kent,  where I have been swimming last week.  It is anticipated that the water temperature in Windermere will be around 15/16 degrees.

If you would like to see more detail about the Swim please visit the website www.greatnorthswim.org  This is the first such organised swim with 1,199 people and me taking part and some of the gold medalists from this year's Olympics will also be participating in the swim (obviously not in my section!).

In addition to this fundraising page we also have a Sponsorship Board up in the pub (The Chequers Inn, Laddingford) with the locals guessing my time and pledging their money.  I invite you to sponsor me below and if you want to guess my timing please put this in the "comments" section.  If you are looking at this after 13 September please do sponsor me anyway.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Many thanks for your support.

Tracey