I first took on the Aspire Channel Swim in 2008 and did it another four times up until 2019 because I enjoy swimming and it is a worthwhile cause. I then stopped, both because of Covid and so as not to ask too much of my friends and acquaintances.

I have signed up again this year as I always planned to do it again when I turned 80. Over the last year both Derek and I have celebrated our 80th birthdays. We're lucky to still be here and in reasonable health. For mine we went away for a night to Burgh Island as I enjoy all things Art Deco... and watching Poirot!

I’m also swimming to celebrate the life of our eldest daughter Amanda who died 20 years ago this November.  Amanda was a keen triathlete and when she broke her back (and recovered) she felt that she would be unable to go on in a competitive manner at the standard she set herself - in both her sport and in life. She was bipolar and she committed suicide.

Val's daughter Amanda

I'll be starting my swim in September when the pool challenge starts.  My aim is to swim 22 miles. I’m not sure how long it will take me as it I’m quite busy, so it depends on how much spare time I have.  If lane availability and pool times permit, I will do a mile at a time as we hope to be going away in November. I swim in The Club at Meyrick Park and would normally follow it up with an Aqua class but if that means less time, I might forgo the class and just swim. 

Swimming is very relaxing and rhythmical. It helps me to sort out things in my mind - even the shopping list!  I swim for my health and wellbeing as it’s good exercise whilst not straining the body.  My advice to other swimmers would be to build up gradually and enjoy it.

I don't like to keep asking the same people for money but I pass my sponsorship form around the groups of people I mix with. I suffer from lower back problems with my sacroiliac joint and now know first hand how debilitating, disabling and painful spine problems can be. Taking on this challenge brings me sad memories of our oldest daughter but leads to a positive outcome of helping others to live fuller lives.

Sponsor Val

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