Ever since I was small I’ve loved swimming, it’s a real passion and throughout my life taken part in competitions and events. The one thing that has always eluded me but has always been on the list of must do’s is to Swim the Channel. Throughout 2023 I took part in some distance challenges and felt pretty good about the whole thing. So one random day while on holiday in Copenhagen I pressed the button on an application form to be considered as a member of a Channel Swimming Relay Team. I was then invited to an assessment day with Aspire the spinal injury charity, where I had to complete a timed swim and got the opportunity to find out about the inspirational work my fundraising would achieve. Well the good news is that I made the team.

Excellent – he says!

The reality:

- It’s cold, very cold and you are only allowed to wear Speedo’s otherwise known as budgie smugglers.

- There are jelly fish – you will be stung

- There’s big ships (I have a fear of big ships) – it’s the busiest shipping channel in the world

- The channel is polluted

- Sharks have been spotted. Grew up in the 80’s so thoughts of Robert Shaw’s character Quint stating "Not Like Going Down The Pond Chasing Blue Gills Or Tommy Cats. This Shark...Swallow You Whole!"

- Training for the cold – including swimming in Dover in May, plus night time swims in the sea (again Jaws!)

Despite this, I can’t wait and the fact that I’ll be raising funds for a worthwhile cause who are supporting me to accomplish this dream. So, please if you can sponsor and support me for this swim challenge I would really appreciate your donation and any words of encouragement.

To find out more about the amazing work that Aspire do please check out their website here: https://www.aspire.org.uk Whilst we very much hope to complete the distance, there is always the chance that the swim may be postponed, cancelled or that we don't make it across the channel. Please donate knowing that this could happen. 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