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On the 4 September 2006, Fraser MacKenzie a loving father, husband, brother, son and uncle, was lost to a dreadful illness.  My very own ‘Indiana Jones’ suffered from bipolar, a terrible condition that involves bouts of depression. 

Sadly, on the 24 November 2009 we were reminded again of a similar condition as we lost a very special and infectious girl, Mandy Lindsay.  A great friend and family member, she really was our ‘Supermandy’.  

This affects thousand’s of people across the UK and millions worldwide. 

Mairi Stewart and I (Laura MacKenzie) have decided to raise money and awareness for the condition that affects many people, depression.  We are each going to “Swim a marathon” over four months.  A marathon is 26 miles, which is 41, 834 metres to swim.  The pool we are using is 25 metres, so that is 1,674 lengths of the pool.  We will begin the Swim-a-thon on 27th of January 2010, and I will keep you up to date on progress and each milestone that we reach.

All the money that we raise will go to Depression Alliance who help support people going through similar situations that Mandy and Fraser faced.  It also helps support the families and combat the stigma attached to depression.  Mandy spent her life helping people with physical and mental problems, so let’s continue her steps.  This cause is close to my heart, and with your help and support we hope to make a difference to others.

More information on Depression Alliance can be found here: www.depressionalliance.org

 

*******UPDATE********** After our first week we have both got off to a swimming start (no pun intended). Mairi has completed 4250metres and I'm at 3900 metres. This means we have both completed over 2 miles. Only 24 miles to go!!!!!!

******UPDATE 2******* Me and Mairi are still swimming away and thank everyone for the donations so far. Mairi has completed 8 miles and I'm currently on 5 miles. Will post an update again soon.

 

******UPDATE 3****** Can't thank everyone enough for the donations. Mairi has now reached 11 Miles and I am at 8 miles now. Thanks to those who come along for the company while we swim.

 

******UPDATE 4******** We have both reached the half way mark!!!! YIPEE!!! Also had a fantastic link on the s1strathaven website and East Kilbride Mail plan to do a feature! I'm just over 13 miles and Mairi on 15 miles. Thanks again for all the donations.

******UPDATE 5******* Following a front page article in the Avondale news, we are now almost at our target!!!! We can't thank everyone enough for the donations. Still swimming Mairi is now at 19 miles and I'm passed the 15 mile mark!

 

*****UPDATE 6******* Things are just going so well!! TARGET REACHED! More donations still coming in too! Had it confirmed all money will be used in South Lanarkshire with Depression Alliance Scotland. We should also be in the Hamilton advertiser this week coming. Mairi is now past the 21 miles and I'm on 20miles. Not long to go!

 

*****UPDATE 7******* We have set our final date!! 1 month earlier than expected! Mairi and I should be swimming our final lengths together on Thursday 29th of April at Strathaven Leisure centre. Better make sure we have it all done for then! Thanks again for all the support.

 

*****FINAL UPDATE***** Marathon Swim complete!!!!! Mairi and I met this evening to swim our final lengths together. Thanks to Strathaven sports centre for the lane. Also friends and family who turned up to show support. WE DID IT!!! Also pleased to say donations are still coming in!

 

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