Swim from the UK to France? Crazy, I know, this is a big one; believe me, all I do is think about what I've got myself into. The English Channel Swim is known as the Mt Everest of swimming. I will never hike Mt Everest, but believe I can do this. Cold water, currents, waves, jellyfish, swimming in the dark, and cargo ships are some of the challenges we will face as a team of six, each taking turns swimming for one hour at a time. In addition to the challenge of the swim, I am supporting a cause that will save lives. Drowning is a silent epidemic that claims an estimated 360,000 lives every year, many of them children, with nearly 40 drowning deaths every hour of every day.

SwimTayka provides free swimming lessons, drowning prevention skills and education in clean water stewardship to underprivileged children who live along the earth’s open waters. Swimming is not only a life skill that can prevent drowning, but also a source of joy, health, and confidence.

As you may agree, I am taking on a big personal challenge and to raise funds and awareness that teaches children in developing countries life long skills.

I ask that you please join me in this challenge with your encouragement and your support.

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana