but on 20th September I will venture into the Serpentine to raise funds for West London Welcome, an amazing community centre which offers vital support for refugees and asylum seekers.

I joined the centre in 2018, after feeling distressed and impotent about the plight of Syrian refugees. Since then I have volunteered with the kitchen team, using donated food from the Felix Project to provide a hot lunch to members of our community every Thursday.

During my time working at the centre I have seen how incredibly important it is for displaced people. We have members from over 70 countries, including those most affected by the terror of war and persecution such as Iran, Palestine, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

In a tumultuous world, the centre is a haven of warmth, creativity - a safe space where members come together to learn English, receive advice and find support and friendship within the community.

We rely entirely on donations to fund our work and I would be incredibly grateful if you were able to join me in raising funds by supporting me in this challenge of swimming the Serprentine. Thank you!