Update - Weather didn't play ball in my designated window. Therefore, I am hoping another spot crops up ASAP before the weather turns. This challenge is weather dependent.

I'm going to have a crack at swimming to France to raise funds for two unbelievably amazing charities, Devizes Opportunity Centre and Julia's House.

Swim, journey, and social media updates here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559436955389

I was thinking about going under the radar with this challenge, what with life being as busy as ever - always a juggling act and a continuing battle of compromise - I'm sure we all feel the same! But, it is too good an opportunity to let slip from a fundraising point of view when I think about what the charities do, and so I've decided to put my head above the parapet.

Getting to the other side, cannot of course, be guaranteed.

21 miles in a straight line. If only the swim would be in a straight line! It won't be, because of the strong tidal currents in the Channel.

To get a ratified time, I cannot wear a wetsuit/tri-suit which would make me quicker, not to mention assisting in keeping me warm! I'll be swimming in just trunks!

The cold is a major factor and I hope that my body can cope with it.

Anyway, that's enough about me and my feelings 🤣 !

Here is a bit more info, regarding the two incredible charities:

* Devizes Opportunity Centre, "is a Specialist Early Years Centre committed to promoting the overall development and life chances of young children who have disabilities, learning difficulties and complex health conditions."

* Julia's House, "is not a typical children’s hospice. We provide practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, providing frequent and regular support in their own homes, in the community or at our hospices."

www.devizesopportunitycentre.co.uk

www.juliashouse.org

I hope that equal amounts are raised for both charities, so please bear that in mind if you're going to be kind enough to donate.

I'll be posting regularly about what I've been doing to get to this point and what the next few months look like in the build up to my window of opportunity, which is between 27 August - 1 September.

As Catpain Matthew Webb said, who was the first person to swim the Channel, "Nothing great is easy".