I live in the Netherlands and found out about the Aspire Channel Swim thanks to friends of mine in the UK who are also doing it.  I decided to take on the challenge simply because it’s a great cause. I have been extremely fortunate in life so having the opportunity to support people with spinal injuries in a small way is the least that I can do. 

I really like the idea of “swimming the Channel.” I have taken part in an Ekiden marathon before when we lived in Brussels (running a marathon in a team), so the concept of swimming the distance of the Channel does quite appeal. 

I have been swimming every Sunday morning since the age of 4 so it’s one thing in life that comes reasonably naturally. I enjoy swimming because I like the disconnection from the world, to just be with my thoughts. I also get a real endorphin rush and I like my Latte Macchiato afterwards!  Most of my swims are at the Overbosch pool in The Hague in The Netherlands. It’s close to home and a really nice facility. 

I haven’t done any fundraising since doing sponsored swims when at school. Before I started the swim I used email, as well as posts on LinkedIn and Facebook, to ask for support. This has created a stream of support ever since. I am so touched and grateful for friends and colleagues who have supported my swim. Literally people from around the world are supporting me. I am really so grateful.  
I have had to increase my target three or four times as I was really super surprised by people’s generosity, even in these economically difficult times. I think that it is really important to thank each of them personally and individually for their incredibly valuable contributions, and to explain why I am doing the swim.

I am extremely fortunate in life. I have had great support from a number of people, for which I am eternally grateful. I don’t know anyone with a spinal cord injury but I was in Paris at the time of the Paralympics and was totally blown away by the incredible performances of the athletes. I believe it is important to contribute to society, to give something back in a way that I am able. This is a small but important part of that. 

A big thank you to the friends who got me interested to do the Aspire Channel Swim. You know who you are!

Sponsor Adam

Aspire Channel Swimmer stories

Sign up to the Aspire Channel Swim

How we help