I’ve done the swim seven times since 2016 because I find that the challenge motivates me. It’s a good time of year to do something like this - for me September has always been about a new start; back to school, new pencil case, new season (autumn is my favourite) and getting fit after a summer of relaxation.  Swimming three times a week is not only exercise; it’s relaxing, it’s self-care and swimming for charity is great motivation. 

I find swimming 22 miles to honestly be both hard and not a problem. The hardest bit is getting yourself to the pool three times a week. Once you are there it’s not an issue. I split the laps I need to do up, so I do a long swim on my day off and two short swims before work or in my lunch break, depending on my diary for that day. I don’t try to think about the 22 miles, just one swim at a time as it’s easier. I swim at the Mill House Leisure Centre in Hartlepool. We are very lucky and have three sports centres across the town with one pool. We are currently getting a new pool built which will be amazing. 

I’ve always loved a challenge, although some have been more sensible than others!  The swim is the sensible one for me. I’ve also done four walking marathons. The 5th didn’t happen because of Covid and it won’t happen now because I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition a few years ago - Axial Spondyloarthropathy - which I have probably had a long time. But being active has kept me going and swimming is a definite benefit for my joints and managing my condition. Fitness, health and well-being are big motivators for me. 

I’ve been nursing for 41 years. Most of that time was spent in neurosciences working with patients with spinal injuries, amongst other things, so it’s always been a cause close to my heart and the reason I’ve done previous challenges.  However, this year it’s a bit closer to home as my oldest daughter has Cauda Equina Syndrome.

She had three surgeries, five weeks in hospital on bed rest, with lots of complications such as infections, CSF leaks and reactions to the antibiotics. All in all it was a pretty turbulent time especially for her. 

I had bilateral shoulder surgery 2016/17. I fell in the bath after going for a training walk for the marathons, so like to think it was a training injury rather than just being careless. I had nine months off work as I had multiple tears to the rotator cuff tendons/ligaments and lots of pain. I thought I wouldn’t be able to swim again but have regained almost full range of movement. I can only swim backstroke and breaststroke now, but to be fair I didn’t enjoy front crawl so I don’t miss it now I can’t do it. 

I don’t mind fundraising. I know with the current financial climate people struggle to donate, but I find that they’re more than happy if it feels personal to them. They also like to see updates. If I struggle with online fundraising I’m always happy to do a coffee morning/raffle etc. 

To people taking on the Aspire Channel Swim for the first time this year I say don’t worry about the 22 miles! Break it down into the number of days a week you can swim and divide your lengths up. Taking on the Aspire Channel Swim and raising money for a charity close to my heart and close to home is all the motivation I need. 

Sponsor Karen

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