Tracy says:

Steve's Angels was formed in memory of my uncle Steven Sweeney who passed away unexpectedly on 19th June 2024. Steve was an actor in films such as, Nil By Mouth, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, ID, as well as Eastenders and Desmonds, amongst other films and TV programs. There are five swimmers in our team: Tracy Ryden, Annmarie Harrison, Jason Keys,  Joe and Janna Alexander, with ages ranging from 27 to 58. We have signed up to the Aspire Channel Swim to make a difference and to take on the challenge as a team.

I took part in the swim by myself in 2019 and this year have set the team up in memory of my uncle. He was more than just what he was known for in the acting industry; he was kind, looked out for others, and genuinely cared about other’s interests.  Our swim is a way of celebrating Steve’s qualities in a way that makes a real difference for others. The team are regular swimmers, some in open water and some in the pool. We swim for fitness, physical and mental health benefits, keeping fit and being a positive role model for our children.  Annmarie taught herself how to swim and this is a really special thing for the team to acknowledge.  

I enjoy swimming because of the sense of freedom in the water, the escape from being ‘inside your head’ and the health benefits associated with regular swimming.  Taking on the swim will be a powerful motivator for me. I don’t like under water swimming but do enjoy backwards butterfly, and variations of swimming techniques.  I’ll be taking on the challenge at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre.  

I mainly use social media for fundraising, as it’s a powerful tool in raising awareness, as long as people understand the cause and where the funds go to.  I don’t know anyone with a spinal cord injury but I have been in a wheelchair following a motorcycle accident in 2003 so can relate to losing physical mobility. It feels good to have the swim to focus on and to be in a position to be able to help people who need it.  It’s hoped we can reach our collective target to support such a worthwhile cause.

 

Annmarie says:

I am participating in Steve's Angels to support Tracy as we've been friends for 34 years.  I heard about the Aspire Channel Swim challenge from her during our accountability meeting, where I spoke of a swimming goal.  I'm a leisure swimmer, averaging three times a week in the pool. I taught myself to swim as a young teenager, as I never understood what the primary school swimming teacher was on about (I was too self-conscious). In my mid 30s I decided to take professional swimming lessons and my teacher had won competitions and swum the Channel. I love how the water carries me, it's like the ultimate trust experience.  

I love swimming underwater (my absolute favourite!), only coming up for air if needed, or not to cause alarm! For whatever reason I can never swim in a straight line with backstroke if I use arms, so only use legs, and arms very occasionally. I don't have any specific health goals in regards to swimming, but happy with the results of looking more shapely. I'll be swimming at Roko Health Club Gillingham.

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