No, I'm not swimming the actual channel. Have we met?
I'm swimming "the channel" (note the "") for Macmillan this summer. I'll be swimming in the pool where I live. It's 12.13 metres long so that's 2787 lengths. Yeah, should have done that bit of maths before I announced it to everyone...
When we moved last June I was so thrilled to have the pool. I think I managed 20 lengths on the first day! Now I swim about 50 lengths most days. I was still quite ill with long Covid when we moved and I credit the pool with much of my healing. All water seems to heal - the pool, the sea, tears...
Recently I've had to heal from more mental than physical problems as I was the victim of narcissistic abuse. That sounds like nothing unless you know... you can read more in the post below.
I'm grateful for all the healing and the lovely community we have around our pool so I'm giving something back with my sponsored swim. I hope you'll sponsor me. CLICK HERE to go to my Macmillan page.
I'm not going to pester everyone but I am collecting photos of me in a swimsuit over the years so you'll be seeing those. Starting with this very early one:
Edit 18 September 2025: Yay, I swam The channel! There were times when it was exhausting, when I got so obsessed and worried that I wouldn't complete the swim that I swam when it was too cold or I was too tired. I don't recommend that! My generous neighbours donated to the cause and the total amount raised for Macmillan was £738.
AND.... I got a medal! I've never had a medal in my life so I was really chuffed to get one in the post. Here it is:
