I first heard about Aspire because of Robin, who has been a close friend for almost 20 years. Before we met he’d been in an accident that left him with damage to his spine. He’s had several operations and survives day to day using morphine patches on his back. He continues to have an active life, is a smallholder and this year worked onsite at Glastonbury Festival as a family camping steward. Knowing I was a regular swimmer, he told me about the Aspire Channel Swim. I was swimming 2 to 3 times a week, so using that time for the benefit of others seemed a sensible thing to do.

I am a retired executive officer from the Royal Navy. I served for 30 years, for 25 of which I was a ship's diving officer. As a Naval diver, whenever we were in port I would try to swim at least a couple of miles each week. It has become engrained, so over winter I swim a minimum of twice a week in our Leisure Centre in Wells and in the summer I swim 4 or 5 times a week at the outdoor Lido at Shepton Mallet.  

Swimming and walking are my fitness regime. I find it is a good way to start my day. When I was working full time it’s how I ended my day. It gives me an opportunity to completely clear my mind. I am 72 this year and although still able to walk reasonable distances, which I do, I enjoy swimming. I am very comfortable with swimming 22 miles as it makes me manage my fitness regime better to ensure that I am on track. In a good year I can complete the distance in 4 weeks, although I am slowing down and it takes me longer to swim 1km than when I was younger, but I still manage 1,500m to a mile in an hour session. As long as I am able to swim confidently I will continue to do so and support Aspire.

As the weather has been good I have already started this year’s Aspire Channel Swim.  I did my first swim on 12^th June and completed 7 miles by the end of June. I will keep on swimming and recording the mileage until the end of the challenge – if I do 3 miles a week it will take me 7-8 weeks. The Aspire Channel Swim gives me motivation to do more lengths. Our daughter is over from China for 2 weeks which will slow me down a little.

My advice to other Aspire Channel Swimmers is always pace yourself and listen to your body – it’s better to swim only a few lengths today and come back tomorrow able to do more than to punish yourself. If it stops being enjoyable you may lose interest. And take time to engage with other pool users.

People say I do stupid things for fundraising which is true!  For a number of years I threw myself off all the high buildings in Somerset for charity. I feel my age goes against abseiling now so I am content to plod up and down a pool for Aspire. Age and arthritis catch up with you, so I regard it as my battle with my body to keep functioning.

I have already raised £150; despite the financial situation, people have always been generous in supporting me.  Some hang on to make sure that I am likely to complete it, but most generously jump in when they see my social media page or get an email. Word of mouth is becoming an interesting one. I have started talking to people outside the email/social media network and that is some interest. I think you have to try everything. I always emphasise that any donation is welcome so even a pound will help.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes you or whatever you do in supporting a charity - do it, because it makes a great difference to someone, somewhere who needs to benefit from the support.

Sponsor Geoffrey

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