I love a challenge, this year it's all about swimming. The benefits of outdoor swimming are undeniable, being out in the natural world has a positive effect on my mind and body which is why I have chosen to enter Chillswim's Ullswater 7.5 mile and Windermere 11 mile events this summer.

As much as I'll enjoy the experience, (I hope), to ensure I stay motivated for what will be by far the longest swim challenges I've contemplated undertaking, I've chosen to raise money for two charities which through very different activities make an incredible difference to children's lives.

Level Water (https://www.levelwater.org/) Level Water give children with disabilities the opportunity to learn to swim. From physical development to social and emotional confidence, swimming is a vehicle to change their lives for the better. Swimming for children with disabilities is the biggest unmet need in sport. The water takes your weight; it’s a true leveller. It relieves pain and offers freedom and independence that many of our children never experience elsewhere. I'm aiming to help Level Water swimmers learn strength, mobility & resilience to become strong & confident swimmers through Level Waters lessons.

CHUF's (https://www.chuf.org.uk/) CHUF's vision is to support pioneering services that will positively impact heart families, inspire hope and enable Heart Heroes to reach their full potential. CHUF supports children and families who receive treatment at the Children's Heart Foundation based at the Freeman Hospital and many others in the North of England. CHUF raise vital funds for large and small pieces of equipment, facilities, aftercare, salaries and research. CHUF’s charitable activities go far beyond that of providing medical equipment and personnel; the charity provides holistic care to children and their families by providing services and facilities that allow heart children to develop their skills and mature as any healthy child normally would. So why CHUF? Ben, our super friendly neighbour, was diagnosed with a congenital Heart Condition at the age of 12. Ben required life saving open heart surgery to repair his tricuspid heart value. CHUF provided Ben's family with a Home from Home facility in Scott House during his recovery and were supported by a wonderful team at CHUF and the Freeman Hospital. Ben's new heart valve lasted 7 years. Unfortunately for Ben, at the age of 20, he underwent his second open heart surgery which thankfully has been successful. Great news is Ben is well and is a swimmer too!