I found out about the Aspire Channel Swim on Facebook. I saw that it was for a great cause and because I love and need my swimming, I thought it was an ideal way for me to give something to others.

I have always loved being in the water but my disability - Myotonic Dystrophy – means that for me swimming is the only way I can exercise or move any distance without severe pain. 

Myotonic Dystrophy causes weakening and wasting away of muscles. I try to swim at least 4 days a week however this is not always possible I’m often faced with muscle fatigue and straining muscles. I try to listen to my body when it's tired or hurting.

The Aspire Channel Swim has helped me get back in the pool after a little time out due to injury and get back to swimming as regularly as I used to.  It's also helping me to go further and swim longer. Swimming does wonders for my mental health and emotional wellbeing and hopefully strengthens my muscles as much as possible too.

I'm doing my swimming at The Stour Centre in Ashford, Kent. I opted to do the 22 mile challenge and I am currently 4 miles away from the finish line. It's taken me two months so far, but I have had a lot of non swimming days.

I find fundraising a little difficult as I do not have a large network of people around me who would sponsor me. I've had some very kind donations from friends and family and raised £215 so far. I asked them people directly but also shared my fundraising page on Facebook several times asking for people to contribute. I do not actually know anyone with a spinal cord injury but it means a lot to me to be able to help as I know how a disability can affect you and I just wanted to help the only way I can.

Sponsor Kim

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