Swimming in the rain

I know I've now done my mile swim, but I've developed an addiction to outdoor swimming! So when someone suggested a dip in Pickmere on Sunday morning, of course I said "yes". It'd been nearly a week since my last fix, and frankly, I was aching for an outdoor swim.
I hadn't bargained on the weather though - when I got up on Sunday morning the rain was relentless. I checked my phone to see if the swim had been called off - but I should have guessed! Calling off a swim because of rain just doesn't enter the heads of the diehards who swim in October!
I met a friend and car shared to Pickmere - she was already in her wetsuit, and had even filled up at the petrol station, much to the astonishment of other customers!
Then it was into the (cold) lake and off for a swim. The others did a mile swim, while I did a smaller circuit, trying to avoid ducks landing on my head.
The rain continued, but we were already wet, so it didn't matter. I trod water for a bit watching the raindrops splash onto the surface of the lake - very hypnotic!
After a while, I was looking across the lake and couldn't see the others - the rain was making a misty layer on the water. And then they came - black triangular arms rising out of the water like shark fins! Quite eerie!
The others were Acky, Nez and Michelle (who took the photo, and very bravely swam without a wetsuit). Thanks to them all for the company!
I really enjoyed getting home and into a hot shower - and then cursing that the sun came out all afternoon!

And finally...

So yesterday I finally completed my measured mile.
As I set off up the quay, I really didn't think I'd be able to do it, but by the time I got to the swing bridge, the self doubt had made way for hope, and at the end of the first quay, determination had blocked out everything else.
It took me 1 hour 16 mins and 2 seconds - but than's not important. Neither is the fact that I finished 1356 out of 1366. The important thing is that I finished!
With much help from family and friends who walked the whole course with me, giving me encouragement all the way, and from other swimmers - who are the most generous and supportive group of people you could wish to meet.
So here I am, with wetsuit rash, an aching back, a medal and a huge sense of acheivement! And £3,000 in the bank for Alzheimers! Thanks to everyone - you've really all been great - I really couldn't have done it without you.
Take care,

Swimming in tears

I did a mile swim in the pool on Sunday, just to check I still could. I'm doing the Salford Swim, and to be honest, I haven't done any training for ages, possibly months.
If you've been reading this blog, you'll know I had a bit of a "medical incident" at the end of May, which was initially diagnosed as a stroke, but turned out to be nerve damage in my brain. 6 weeks off work, no driving, and rest. So that was most of June and July gone by.
Then my dad became ill - he'd also had a couple of suspected mini stokes, but his too had been mis-diagnosed. Then on August 6th, after he'd got suddenly very bad, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. The cancer had spread from his lung, and was causing these stroke like symptoms.
He was really looking forward to coming to the lakes for the Great North Swim, but in the end was too ill to make the journey. He was really proud of me, of doing the swim and of the money I was raising.
I was thinking about this as I swam my mile in the pool. At about length 50, I was imagining what it will be like when I finish the mile, now being swum in Salford. How lovely it will be to climb out of the water and be greeted by my family and friends. And how sad it will be that dad won't be there. That's the point I started to well up, and then I really started to cry.
He lost his brief but intense battle with cancer on September 15th, just 5 weeks after being diagnosed and just 6 weeks before his 71st birthday. By the time I get in the water on Sunday, I will have been to his funeral, and will have shed many more tears.
I'm hoping I can get round most of the mile without breaking down - I discovered on Sunday that crying makes you sniffle, and then water goes up your nose, and the tears fill up your goggles.
So, I will be getting round that mile, and whilst I will be raising money for Alzheimer's, I'll be swimming for my dad.
Take care - life is short.

The New Mile

I've just found out that the Great North Swim is officially cancelled for this year. This leaves me with the options of deferring to next year or cancelling altogether!
I can't bear the thought of either of these, and decided to see if there were still places free for the Great Salford Swim.

Unbeliveable! There are still places! I've signed up for 2pm - better get some more training in quickly!

Third Time Lucky

After my two previous failed attempts to swim an alternative mile (and earn some of the donations I've already had from people) I was even more determined to get in the water today. It had been a lovely sunny day, and the evening was still and bright - perfect swimming conditions!

Out came the O/S map, and the search for a suitable spot began - we needed somewhere not too far away, close the road and safe to swim in (so rivers were out - they need a good recce first). Then we saw it - Yew Tree Tarn, just by the road to Coniston.

Bag packed, we were out of the door and in the car - wending our way south west and upwards.

The tarn was lovely - with a big layby for easy access, and still water, just the right depth.

In I got - heaven!

I'm not sure how far I swam, the tarn isn't very big so I was basically swimming up and down the middle of it. It was so peaceful - pure therapy!

I got out as the sun was going behind the fells, a big grin on my face and a sense of achievement in my heart.

Second attempt

Yesterday evening, after the failed attempt at swimming Buttermere, David and I went for an evening stroll up one of the tributaries leading into Lake Windermere. I found a great spot for a swim, and couldn't wait to get back into my wetsuit.

Judging from the OS map, it looked like I could swim about 1/2 mile in the river, meaning that if I doubled back (current allowing) I could get a mile in. Part of me is determined to do my promised mile in cold murky water - I've got hundreds of supporters who've all donated good money to make me do this, and I really don't want to let them down.

So, tonight I got into my wetsuit and added a big fleece, and David and I followed the footpath to the river. The first section we walk along is shallow and slow flowing - no good for swimming, but great for wildlife. A flash of blue streaked low above the water - kingfisher! Brilliant!

A bit lower down, another river joins the one we walk along, and it gets deep enough to swim in. Just a little further and there's a "beach". Perfect. I discard my big fleece and enter the water - a bit cold, but not too bad. Towards the centre is plenty deep enough, and the water is so clear I can see the bed easily.

I spot a swan and give it a wide berth - David is on the bank watching over me, but I don't fancy tangling with swam just in case.

Around a bend in the river and I'm now heading into the wind. It's not as bad as Buttermere, but makes it hard going. I'm quite far fron the bank now, any closer in and my feet hit the ground. And then I get thwarted - again! The river gets wide and much too shallow to swim in. Lying on my belly I can just about do commando crawl, but certainly not front crawl! I turn round and swim back upstream. I'm not going to be able to swim far, but I've enjoyed being in the water all the same. I swim about for a bit, up and down the same section, before deciding to clamber out and head for home.

Try again another day!

Making Amends

With today's swim cancelled, Jess (one of the OSS people I know) and I decided to attempt our own alternative mile by swimming the length of Buttermere (approx 1 mile).

We set off, full of enthusiasm and determination. The water wasn't too cold, and quite clear. All was going well, and then the wind picked up. The water began to get quite choppy, with white crests on the waves, and the cross wind made it hard to breathe. I decided to swim on my back for a bit (one advantage of being the only two swimmers in the whole lake - I wasn't about to bump into anyone!). I'd not done many stokes when I heard Jess shouting me. The wind was blowing me off course, and I was heading straight for some trees on the bank!

Back on my front, I corrected my position and got back to where Jess was, but by now the going was really getting tough, and I was getting tired. I knew that at this rate I wouldn't be able to get far, and it looked as though conditions were worse around the headland.

We heard shouts from the shore, and I looked up to see a group of my friends and neighbours who'd come up to the lakes to support me on my swim. I waved, but couldn't shout to them, the wind was sucking the breath out of me.

I swam a bit more, concious that I was holding Jess back (I'm not a quick swimmer, especially after the big break in training) and realised that I wasn't going to be able to swim the length of the lake. I decided that discretion was definitely the better part of valour, and suggested to Jess that we called it a day, before we got into trouble (with only a shore buddy and no boat, this was possible if we got round the headland and into really rough water). Jess didn't seem to mind, so we swam to shore, letting the swell carry us to the beach.

Jess said that it was like swimming in the sea, with the strong swell, and that it was the hardest outdoor swim she'd done. So I didn't feel quite so bad about stopping. We trudged back to the car in our wet wetsuits, and went in search of a nice hot cuppa.

Gutted!

I've just received a text to say that the Great North Swim has been postponed. Currently, it's not certain if it will be rescheduled for this year or cancelled until 2011. After all the build up, I'm gutted. I'm also concerned about letting down all my sponsors and supporters - so far I've raised about £2,700 - so I'll have to think of something.

Just Relax

One of the great things about outdoor swimming is the view - especially a sunny sky. So when I'm not trying to go as fast or as far as I can, I like to lie back and relax...
It's important to wear a hat so your ears don't get cold, but it's a lovely feeling!
take care

Gadding About

Gaddings Dam was on the agenda this bank holiday. It's the first time I've been, but I'd heard a lot about it. The climb up to the dam is about 250m, and I have to admit, I had to stop half way up as I thought I was going to be sick - it was really tough going for someone as unfit as me (and a little worrying, given the swim is now only days away!).

With the huge support and help of David, and the encouragement of a group of fellow outdoor swimmers, I finally made it to the top, into my wetsuit, and into the mercifully flat water.

But boy was it cold! about 13 degrees, which is enough to make your feet go numb after about 10 mins.

It stayed lovely and sunny, and I stayed in probably longer than I should have (I think because I was dreading the decent down the big hill).
The walk back was tough going too - with some quite big steps - not good for arthritic knees! But at least the walk ended in a pub - with lunch!
What a great day out!
Take care,

Birthday Suit

I decided to splash out (literally) on my own wetsuit, since I'm enjoying the outdoor swimming so much. Bill and Freddie (my in-laws) have kindly bought the suit for my birthday present - and here I am modelling it at Gaddings Dam on a lovely sunny bank holiday Monday.

Calm waters

There is nothing like an after work swim on a calm, sunny evening. This is Hatchmere, on a still night in August - the peace and quiet are hard to beat.
There were a few of us swimming that evening - about 5 or 6, which is nice company while still being peaceful.
After the swim, David and I stayed for a picnic, and watched hundreds of geese fly over to their resting place for the night - pretty well the only noise we'd heard all night was their honking!
Take care,

Howling at the Moon

Last night I joined the Outdoor Swimming Society for a Full Moon swim at Hatchmere. It wasn't a promising evening, with lots of cloud cover and only the occasional glimpse of sky. We arrived at the lake just before 9 - to find one swimmer already in the water. Others arrived just as we did, so by the time I'd got into my wetsuit, there were 3 or 4 of us getting in.
David, who came with me but remained fully dressed and shorebound, waved us off, taking photos of the big moment (Splash!).
I was swimming pretty slowly - much slower than everyone else, as I'm still feeling pretty tired. I was determined to do 4 trips accross the lake and back though, as this would be almost a mile and great training.
Trip 1 - can't get into my rhythm at all and I'm finding it hard to breathe properly. I have to talk myself into not panicking.
Trip 2 - getting the hang of it, feeling much better and getting a rhythm going - lovely to have company on the back leg of the trip (thanks to Vic and Nez for swimming so slowly and chatting!)
Trip 3 - begining to get dark - finding it harder to see the sign on the opposite bank that we're swimming towards, but keep going anyway. David's put lights on the beach so we can swim our way back to shore easily.
Trip 4 - it's raining! Oh well! I'm wet anyway.
David's managed to gather up the bags and put them under a tree, so our things aren't too wet when we get out. It's almost 10.30 - but it's really warm after the rain has stopped. The pub's closed and so we can't have a celebratory drink - I managed the 4 trips I set out to do - although I swam the shortest distance I'm perhaps the proudest of my swim!
It's almost midnight when I get home - and by the time I've rinsed my wetsuit and had a shower, I fall into bed very tired!

Scream if you want to go faster!

So I did a pool swim last night, and beat my personal best for swimming 1/2 mile (32 lenths) by a whole 5 minutes! I'd read another swimmer's post on facebook earlier, and he'd done a really good time (thanks Acky!) so I thought I'd try and beef mine up a bit. So with a few lengths of crawl thrown in (thanks to Dave for the coaching) and under the influence of some performance enhancing medicine that the doctor's given me to mend my brain, I fairly stormed up and down the pool.

So I'm a very happy bunny!

My Viewpoint

Just in case you're wondering (and I know it's a long shot) but this is what it looks like from my viewpoint when I'm swimming outdoors. That white thing in the water is my arm by the way, not a pale french stick or a bit or wood!

The Big Jump

Had another outdoor swim today - it was brilliant! I found out that the Outdoor Swimming Society were having a "Big Jump" at 3pm this afternoon - people all over the UK took to rivers and lakes and just jumped in.
I joined a group of hardy souls at Hatchmere in Cheshire (actually, not so hardy, it was apparently 22 degrees C!). I swam to the far bank and back, which is 400yds, so another quarter of a mile, but this was much easier going than at Salford Quays, and much more relaxed.
We were joined by a pair of swans and their 4 cygnets, and a dog with a stick who was having great fun!
Can't wait for the next one!
Take care,

Taking the plunge

The first thought that went through my head as I looked up through the murky water, seeing the bubbles rise above my head wasn't "gosh! it's cold" or even "gosh! it's a bit deep" but "what a strange colour the water is". Now that might be strange for someone who's just jumped into Salford Quays, but I don't suppose you're ever fully in control of what pops into your head.
Once I'd surfaced and caught my breath, I was struck by how clear the water is - OK, it's an amber colour, but you can see a good 6 feet down at least - so it was a bit like swimming in cold tea (only not quite as tasty, and I did taste a fair bit!).
This plunge came about when another swimmer from GNS requested an open water swimming buddy and I volunteered. Steve (my new buddy) has a friend (Dave) who used to do Triathlons regularly, so he offered to take us through some hints and tips. I'm not sure what they expected, but it probably wasn't me - a complete novice who'd never even worn a wetsuit before and doesn't swim the triathlete's preferred front crawl. And since I'm not yet back to fully fit after my recent medical adventures, I'm sure they got more (or rather less) than they'd bargained for. However, they were both lovely and very generous with their support and time. Dave did a bit of coaching with me to get me swimming crawl, and they both went the first circuit at my speed (which meant they had to wait quite a lot). I got out after one circuit - I have no idea how long this took and it was quite hard work. But it's 400m (16 lenths) under my belt.
So, with the swim only 57 days away, I've got a lot of work to do - at the moment I'm definitely not fit enough to complete the course, but I'm sure I can get there.
Massive, massive thanks to both Steve and Dave for their support and patience, and to Mick for the wetsuit! (Don't I look fetching in it? - no, don't answer that!)

Take care,

Suit You Sir

I've been lent a wetsuit to do my swim (Thanks Mick!).
Mick did the Great North Swim last year, and really enjoyed it. He's filled me in on what's it's like, and fired up my enthusiasm. So today, I tried on the wetsuit, which fits like a glove! I'll post a picture soon (when I'm braver).
On Thursday I'll be trying it out at Salford Quays, doing my first open water swim. I'll keep you posted!
Take care

Recovery Stroke

Recently, my right hand has gone strange. I've had difficulty writing and typing. It was initially diagnosed as being a stroke, and as a result I've been off work and "resting" for the last 6 weeks. As a result, I've not done much training - although to be fair it was more down to the not being able to drive than to not being able to exercise.
As it turns out, I've actually just blown a fuse in my brain, and it's nerve damage. I'm back to driving - and to training!
So I'm building back up to doing 64 lengths, and more rowing in the gymn.
Take care

The Tyranny of Numbers

I've been doing quite a bit of training at the gym - sometimes more than I want to. I'm not sure what it is about the human mind and whole numbers or complete things, but I just don't seem to be able to step off a machine after 14 mins and 30 secs - I have to complete that minute! Or if I've done 0.8 Km, I have to finish that K! But sometimes, I'm at the end of 2k, but my time is 14 mins and 30 secs, so I stay on, and then I get into the next K, and I can't stop until that's a whole number, or at least a round 0.5. I can't get off at 2.34Km, that would be madness.
And now, to add to the complication, I have an MP3 player to listen to. But this means I can't stop mid track - I have to wait until the end of the track.
So like some demented soothsayer of old, I keep going until all the elements line up in conjunction - the end of a track falls at the precise point, exactly X minutes after I've started, and when I've completed exactly Y Kilometers.
When that eventually happens, I'll get off the rowing machine or treadmill - but it could be some time, so don't wait for me!
take care

Row, Row, Row your machine

I've discovered the rowing machine and think I'm in love!
It's tucked away at the back of the gym I use, and I wouldn't even have looked for it but for a friend recommending it as an alternative to the treadmill (thanks Phil!). A bit of tuition, and I rowed myself nearly 2km. It's hard work, but more enjoyable - and not so tough on the knees. So after 10 mins of rowing, I did just 10 mins on the treadmill, but instead of inclining it at 5, I upped it to 9 - so I was practically climbing, rather than walking. But since my legs were warmed up already, and since it uses different muscle groups (apparently) I didn't feel it anywhere near as much as I normally do.
So that looks like my new gym regime - splitting time between rowing and walking quickly up a very steep hill!
And I bought some goggles ready for next swim...
take care

Back in the swim of things

The last vestiges of my cold and chest infection have finally gone, and I was itching to get back in the pool. Having not swum for about 3 weeks though, I decided not to overdo it, and set myself a target of a half mile swim.
It felt really good to be back in the water - and the pool was lovely and quiet - always an added bonus! 32 lengths took me just about 30 mins, so even though I hadn't been for a while, I don't seem to have slowed down much.
I'd really like to work on improving my stroke though - and I think one easy way will be to get my head under water more. At the moment I don't wear goggles, so it's not comfortable to get my face underwater too much, but I think this could be remedied with a good pair of goggs - I feel a little shopping trip coming on!
Take care,

Lovely bit of sunshine

So, it's Grand National Day and the sun is shining from a beautiful blue sky. We're at the in-laws as it's Saturday, and it really is a case of "if this is Saturday, it must be Stoke".
We arrive in the morning to find them agonising over the shopping list - there must be at least 4 things on it, but Freddie is worried it's too much, and will be too heavy for my husband to carry. I know he's a big strong lad, so manage to inveigle a few more items onto the list. David duly goes off to the supermarket, with carrier bags in his strong arms.
Meanwhile, it's a bit early to start lunch, so I suggest to Freddie that we have a sort out. She's always worrying about "all the stuff" in the house, so I suggest we tidy up either the pantry or her bookcase. She chooses pantry.
Now, I don't think there is a lot in their pantry, but Freddie panics that the shelves are all full, and it's all stuff they won't eat. So I get her to pass me all the tins of things she will no longer use - her cooking skills, along with her appetite, have diminished greatly with her dementia. I pack all the tins into bags, and it looks as though I'm off to harvest festival!
I then get in the pantry and give all the shelves a good clean - removing old cat biscuits from back of the shelves (and they haven't had a cat for many years!). Freddie rearranges everything back to how she likes it, and then panics that the shelves are so empty. I give her back 1 tin of tuna, and she seems happy again.
When David returns, the shelves fill up, and everything looks fine, and Freddie seems more settled.

After lunch (salmon, boiled potatoes, green beans followed by something and custard, as it is every Saturday), we coax Freddie and Bill outside, to sit on the bench in the sunshine. It is so peaceful and quiet - all we can hear are the birds singing.
We're out there for ages - nails get cut outside, tea gets drunk, they all reminisce about laying the drive. I look at Freddie, and notice that for the first time in months, she isn't fidgetting. No rocking, no scratching her arm or head, no wringing of hands of clenching of muscles. She looks almost serene, calm and happy, and it's lovely.
4 o'clock comes, and Bill wants to go in to watch the Grand National. Freddie wants to stay outside in the sunshine. She and I stay out a bit longer, until the horses are lining up when we go in.
It's been a lovely day, and I'm hoping for more sunshine next week, when we will perhaps tackle the bookshelf!
take care,

Not Going Out

It's Saturday, so it's Stoke.
It's a lovely sunny day, so after lunch we suggest going for a walk. We used to go every Saturday after lunch - not far, just round the block really - but over winter we've not been out much, and Bill's hernia makes it painful for him to walk far. But it really is georgeous weather, so we're determined that today will be our first walk of the season.
"Come on, let's put our shoes on and go for a walk!" sounds like an innocent enough phrase, but the way Freddie reacted, you'd think I'd shouted "Come on, let's get our guns and murder some puppies". We had strident "no"s, petulant feet stomping, accusations of bullying and even some lip pouting. At that moment Freddie looked 9 not 79.
Then her eyes lit up - clearly an excuse had occured to her. "I don't have a coat that fits" she says with triumph. David pulls a coat from the closet. "It's too small" she says. David pulls a different coat from the closet. "It's too thick" she cries. We tell her this won't matter, as we're not going far, only round the block. She reluctantly puts it on, and away we go.
It really is lovely outside, warming up with the spring sunshine.
We turn the first corner intending to literally go just round the block when Freddie pipes up "let's go up to the next street and round". This makes the walk about 3 times the distance - which just goes to show - getting out the door is way more scary than the walk itself.
It's a good job sunshine is an antidote to frustration!
take care,

Thanks!

Today my fundraising reached the £1,200 marker - a third of the way there. I have to asy a massive "THANK YOU" to everyone who's donated so far.
Some of them are people I haven't seen for years - I haven't even sent Christmas cards to, but just about managed to stay in touch through LinkedIn. It's been lovely to have so many good wishes and blasts from the past!

Support has come from far and wide too. I think the battle for furthest away is between Japan (thanks Sasaki san) and Hawaii (thanks Em) - perhaps I should do the swim there, the water would be much warmer! So if you're wondering why some of the donations don't carry gift aid, it's because there are a lot of non-UK taxpayers on the list!

It's also been lovely to recieve so many messages of support for the cause - it's surprised me how many other people have been touched by Alzheimer's and dementia. I'm sure that the funds I'm raising will make a huge difference into research, and into caring for those with or affected by the condition.

So, thanks again, your donations are much appreciated!

Totaliser

Cold, but not wet yet

Training isn't going well this week - I'm full of a cold, so haven't done anything since Monday :-(


The fundraising is going well though - I'm almost a third of the way to my target, with £1150 raised so far - so a massive "Thank You" to everyone who's contributed so far.


I've also had many lovely messages of support - and I've been surprised at how many other people have been affected by Alzheimer's and dementia in their family. It's touched me greatly that so many people have shared their stories with me.


It's also been very heartening that I've had support from people I haven't seen for years, or only met once or twice - clearly, having the brass neck to ask is paying off.


I've also been very impressed with lots of the fundraising tips from JustGiving - I get emails with suggestions on - many of which I've taken up, including ordering some mini-moo cards - see http://uk.moo.com/en/ideas/justgiving - now, if only the post office could find them and deliver them!

Lovely People

I officially joined The Alzheimer's Society today. I just called them and asked to join - the lady on the other end of the phone was lovely. So, I'm all signed up and I'm looking forward to getting the monthly magazine, Living with Dementia. I'm hoping it will help us cope with some of the things we have to deal with, such as the irrational ideas, which are very fixed, and can't be changed.

My Mother-in-Law was diagnosed with vascular dementia about a year ago, maybe less, after spending almost 6 months in a geriatric assessment unit. Although her behaviour has changed over this time, and the medication seems to be helping with some of the worst symptoms, there are some things which we find very difficult.

Every week we have the same discussions. One of the main ones is about rubbish - Mum is convinced that there isn't enough room in their bin, and always wants us to take some of their rubbish home to put in our bin. I think, at most, they half fill 2 bin bags before the bins are emptied, so there is plenty of room.

This spills over into "don't bring me anything, how will I get rid of it" - when we gave her some hyacinths for Mother's day, they were met with immediate panic about getting rid of them. We had to promise to take them away when they stopped flowering.

So I'm looking forward to any advice we can get - or at least to get a feeling that it's not just us who are going through this, and that we're not alone.

Swim, Swim, Walk

Training is going well - I swam 1/2 a mile on Thursday (32 lengths) and over 1/2 mile on Friday (40 lengths). My arms felt like lead on Sunday morning though, so instead of swimming I went for a walk. It was such a lovely day, and I thought my legs could do with a bit more of a workout.

When I swim I do breast-stoke, but I have a terrible screw kick - it looks as though my right leg knows what's going on, and does a nice frog-like kick, but my left leg thinks we're doing crawl, and refuses to go out - it just goes up and down! I'm sure this slows me down, but even if I concentrate really hard, I can't make it do the right kick! It must look really bizare - like swimming with a limp.

I would like to put this down to an old injury - I dislocated my left knee when I was 17, spent 8 weeks on crutches and it's never been the same since. I say I'd like to put it down to this, but I have such strong memories of one particular swimming lesson at school.

The gym mistress (yes, it was that kind of school) asked everyone else to get out of the pool and then asked me to swim 1 length breast-stroke. Feeling proud to be singled out, I did my finest length - going as fast and as elegantly as I could. Imagine my horror when she then turned to the rest of the class and said "and that's how you don't do it - what a terrible screw kick!" She never did help me fix it, and so here I am, decades later, still limping through the water like a half-frog/half-fish creature.

I must see if I can find her and get her to sponsor me - it must be worth £1 at least!

Here we go

So, I've set myself a challenge, set up a "JustGiving" page and now I'm ready to blog. So this is for all the kind people who've sponsored me so far, all the people who will and all the people who just like to read about other people's lives. You are all welcome!

I've entered the Great North Swim, and I'll be swimming on Sept 5th, at 3pm, in a cold and murky Windermere. I've never done anything like this before, and it's quite daunting. Although I love swimming, I'd never swum this far until a month after I'd signed up for the event.

If you're reading this and haven't sponsored me but would like to, then visit www.justgiving.com/dawn-holmes - it's really easy!

Thanks
Dawn