The Aspire Channel Swim has been a regular event in my life every year since 2002.  I enjoy taking part because it helps keep me fit and I can support a cause that is close to my heart. Swimming is something I have done all my life. I enjoy it and it is the perfect exercise to help keep me fit and healthy. 

The time I spend in the water helps with my mental health as once the goggles go on and the water covers your body, you are free from everyday stress and whatever issues you may have can be ignored for an hour or so.

I like a challenge as it motivates me, keeps me fit and swimming is the ideal way for me to achieve my goals. As I swim up to 5 times a week it doesn't take me long to clock up 22 miles so my personal challenge is to see how much further I can swim before the closing date.  

For those taking on the Aspire Channel Swim for the first time this year my advice is to pace yourself - the best way to complete the challenge is do little but often - and view your swimming as a lifestyle choice, otherwise it can become a chore.

I’ve signed up to swim again this year because having completed the challenge every year since 2002 I want to keep going (while I still can) and keep my unbroken record going. Also, to show my support and raise a little bit of money for a worthwhile cause. Aspire has provided help and support to my wife and I over the years so it is nice to give something back.

I met my future wife (Karen) when both of us swam for Everton Swimming Association (in Liverpool) during the early 1970s. We married in 1980 and this year celebrate 45 years of marriage. We have a son and daughter plus three grandsons.  Karen has a long history of spinal problems going back to her teenage years and has now developed scoliosis so I know first hand the issues that people with spinal injuries have and how hard support can be to find.

In 2016 Karen was reassessed as part of the government crackdown on those claiming disability benefits. The outcome was that her benefits got reduced and she was told she no longer qualified for a Motability car which was a major blow to her independence.

Aspire’s Welfare Benefits Advice team were excellent in providing help and support, so much so that when we challenged the decision and went to court the original decision was overturned. Therefore, we are very grateful to Aspire for helping us in our hour of need.

This is one of the many reasons why I continue to support Aspire by taking part in the Aspire Channel Swim. The work Aspire does never stops, with demand for their services growing year on year, so I like to help (in a small way) and show my support for what they have done for us and others in the same position.

Sponsor Mark

Aspire Channel Swimmer stories

Sign up to the Aspire Channel Swim

How we help