I used to have swimming lessons at my local pool. My younger sister’s lesson was just before mine, so I always had some time to spare before I got in the water. One day in 2015 I spotted the Aspire Channel Swim advertised around the pool and thought it sounded like a brilliant challenge and a great way to stay active while raising money for an important cause.

Over the past three years at university, I've been incredibly busy volunteering with the Legal Clinic, working to support myself and completing my law degree, so exercise took a bit of a back seat. I wanted something to motivate me to get back into a regular routine, and I remembered how much I enjoyed the Aspire Channel Swim when I was younger, so I signed up to swim it this year.

It's nice to come back to a challenge I enjoyed as a teenager, but this time with a completely different perspective. I get to return to a sport I love while raising money to help people living with spinal cord injuries.

I'm taking on the 11 mile challenge this year at Everyone Active's Eastwood Leisure Centre as it feels like the perfect distance while I'm building my fitness back up.  I really enjoy having a clear goal to work towards. Having a clear, achievable target keeps me motivated and instead of just swimming for the sake of it, every length brings me closer to completing the challenge while supporting a fantastic cause.

I've always struggled with the gym because it can feel a bit endless, whereas the Aspire Channel Swim gives me something tangible to aim for. Being able to choose a distance that challenges me while still feeling achievable has made it much easier to stay motivated.

I originally started swimming again to improve my fitness and help with weight loss, but I've found it's also been fantastic for my mental wellbeing. Completing so many lengths in a session gives me a real sense of achievement, and the quiet time in the pool has become something I really value.

It’s one of the few places where there are no distractions. You can't take your phone into the pool, nobody is trying to get hold of you, and for an hour it's just you and the water. It's a rare chance to completely switch off, and I always leave feeling calmer than when I arrived.

I have carpal tunnel syndrome, but I've actually found that swimming often helps. Being in the water takes the pressure off my joints, and it can ease the discomfort rather than make it worse.

I've actually already completed a large percentage of the distance! I started early because I had more free time once university finished and knew I'd be much busier once I started my new job. I'm hoping to complete the challenge by August.

I’m delighted to be in current 2^nd place on the FR leaderboard!  I've always found it a little awkward asking people for money, but it's much easier when it's for such an incredible cause. It also leads to some funny conversations when I have to explain that I'm not actually swimming across the English Channel, just the equivalent distance!

I've been very lucky to have such generous friends and family. They've donated themselves and shared my fundraising page with their own friends and family, which has made a huge difference. I've also shared my fundraising page on Instagram and LinkedIn, which really helped increase the number of donations.

Although I don't personally know anyone with a spinal cord injury, I've recently started my graduate role as a Legal Assistant in Personal Injury. Through my work, I've seen how life-changing serious injuries. I've also seen the difference charities can make by providing practical support, specialist equipment and ongoing help to people rebuilding their lives. Knowing that my fundraising can contribute, even in a small way, makes every length I swim feel worthwhile.

I'd be incredibly grateful for any donation, no matter how big or small. Every contribution makes a difference and really helps keep me motivated to finish those final lengths!

Sponsor Maddy

Aspire Channel Swimmer stories

Sign up to the Aspire Channel Swim

How we help