In late August 2024 (subject to weather) I will be attempting to swim the English Channel.

The English Channel is 21 Miles. I will leave Dover and keep swimming for somewhere between 10 and 20+ hours until I reach France (or my swim is aborted - hopefully the first option!). I will be wearing a standard swimming costume, one hat and a pair of goggles (no wetsuit!). I will be swimming through one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, I will also have to swim in the dark, battle the tides and swim though fields of jellyfish and potentially other marine animals that I don't want to think about…but often lay in bed at night thinking about anyway!! I will be balancing training alongside looking after my horse twice a day, working full time, studying for my professional exams and picking up hours on a weekend at my second job which helps to pay for my training.

My solo attempt has been in the planning for two years now and I am now in my final and third year of training.

One of my favourite quotes and one which I think sums up the English Channel well for me is "Sometimes the fear doesn't subsided and you have to do it afraid."

The training for the channel has been tough and I know it is going to get so much tougher. I knew the channel would test my body to its limits, however what I didn't realise is how challenging it would be for my head. Swimming long distances is tiring, but the mind games are worse. Not giving up at these moments is often more challenging than the swim itself. When your arms get tired you use your mind to tell them we aren't quitting. When your mind gets tired and tells you, you're not good enough, you can't do this, you should quit, it becomes a hard battle. One that I am slowly learning how to overcome.

This is where swimming becomes a team sport. Although it is called a solo swim, it is far from it and I couldn't do this alone. I am not ashamed to say I would have quit months ago if it wasn't for my coaches, friends and family who carry on pushing me and constantly telling me I can do it and that quitting isn't an option.

I know am not an easy person to coach or to be friends with, so to those who have been there through the highs and the lows, celebrated the successes with me and dealt with the tears when things go wrong - thank you, you mean the world to me and I hope you all know how much I appreciate it x

Although training and racing can often be difficult, the world of open water swimming has brought me so much happiness. I have been welcomed into one of the most caring and supportive communities there is. The seasoned swimmers are always on hand to help me, whether it's answering my endless questions or just a supportive message to say keep going, everyone wants everyone to succeed.

I hope my channel attempt gives people following my journey the confidence not to wait for the right moment, or to wait till they are more confident, that they can just go out and do it, afraid!

I am raising money for two charities that are very close to me.

St Michaels Hospice who gave end of life care to my Nanna. My Nanna was my number one fan. She passed away before I started all my crazy swim adventures and she would have been so proud of everything I have achieved. I wish I could see her smile and eyes sparkle one last time. Anyone locally who has had a loved one spend time in the hospice will know what an incredible job they do.

Cosmic who provide emergency care for both babies and infants. Cosmic not only do outstanding work in the hospital they have also changed my life. Cosmic introduced me to the channel swimming world, one that has given me so many opportunities and friendships. This chapter of my life, will be one I always look back on and think how incredible it was.

Look out France, I'm on my way (hopefully!!) 🏊🏻‍♀️