The Great Swim for Stripey

On 9th June this year I am going to swim a mile in Lake Windermere as part of the Great North Swim, and hopefully raise lots of money for Stripey Stork. Can you help me reach my target? Did you know that 10% of children in Surrey live in poverty? And that an estimated 24,000 girls and women have been the victim of domestic abuse? It’s hard to believe that in our well-to-do corner of the world there are still people who aren’t able to give their children even the basic things they need, and deserve. By supporting Stripey Stork you're doing something to make these family’s lives easier. Mums like Sarah, who received a Stripey Stork delivery when she was living in a hostel after the birth of her daughter and who says "I will never forget what they did for me.” My sister taught me to swim when I was very small, and I've loved it ever since, particularly outdoor swimming. I've swum regularly through most of my life - competitively as a child and more sedately as an adult. I've only had a few periods away from it - when I was a student and too busy drinking beer and dancing to bother, and as a new Mum with post natal depression, when it just felt too much. In the last few years I have got back into it, and felt a real rush that I can still do it. I have also discovered there are lots of beautiful places locally where you can swim outdoors, surrounded by nature. My very good friend lives in Leeds, and she swam the half mile in the Great North Swim last year. She's totally new to swimming and I felt immensely proud that she did it, and wanted to join her for a longer distance this year. I started training in early March, and am finding it very hard work, although my first outdoor swim in a local lake on 22nd April was exhilarating! I am swimming for Stripey Stork to raise funds for our brilliant cause, but am also hoping that lots of people will feel motivated that if I can, a middle aged mum with a tum, then anyone can.