Jason

My first experience of open water swimming was when I went on a sailing course a few years ago - my favourite bit was capsizing and jumping in the river and swimming at the end!  Then I started swimming across a lake with my Mum and Auntie on holiday and summers in Loch Morlich. For several years I have participated in Swimathon but needed a new challenge. Last year we went on a family holiday to the Isle of Wight. On the ferry on the way back I said to my Mum I'd like to swim across here!  Mum searched the internet and we came across the Aspire Solent Swim.  

I signed up as I thought it would be a cool accomplishment and a great stepping stone to bigger things. Someday I’d like to swim the Channel! 

Swimming the Solent will be a confidence boost as it will show me I can do bigger things than I think I can, although I'm worried about feeling sick from the salt. Training hasn’t been easy as a lot of open water venues won't let me swim due to my age. From 1st May though I can start swimming at Shepperton Splash. I also swim in Kingston Royals County Squad for 10 hours a week. 

As a sporty person a spinal injury just seems such a devastating thing to happen and I wanted to do something to support them.  After I started fundraising I learnt one of my swimming club team mate’s Mum has severe spinal problems. For my fundraising I held a book sale of my childhood books and two donut sales. My school also posted my JustGiving page on their social media this week to coincide with my last day of term donut and cake sale. I have a brilliant form teacher at Coombe Boys school (thank you Mrs Baguley!). 

We are up to almost £750 but haven't really asked friends and family yet as that will be better closer to the time. It means a lot to be raising money for people with spinal cord injuries. It just seems like such a bad thing to happen to someone. 

Katrine

My siblings and I were all competitive swimmers. As kids my Mum and Dad used to stop the car if we passed a lake and let us jump in with our clothes on, which developed our love of outdoor swimming.  I love the freedom of being able to swimming whenever I want. Sometimes when Jason is swim training in the pool, I will go swimming in the Thames.  I've started swimming again every week and completed my lake induction so I can swim outdoors weekly too.  I need to get swim fit and be able to keep up with Jason! 

For my fundraising I'm collecting empty ink cartridges to sell back and organising a free first aid course at work at which we will collect donations. I don’t know anyone with a spinal cord injury but my husband Joe had a friend in a wheelchair (Graham) due to a spinal cord injury who coxed his rowing crew.  I also followed the experience of Melanie Reid (The Times journalist) after her horse accident. Her weekly column really brings to life the challenges. 

Sponsor Katrine and Jason

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