I'd always loved swimming in the sea on holidays, but when I was 14 I started "bagging tarns" in the Lake District.  I loved it and continued to seek out interesting places to swim. I have swum in most bodies of water.  I don't tend to race or compete (except for the odd fun relay) but love experiencing different places, from local rivers such as Warleigh Weir to little known pools on the Isle of Skye. Open water swimming is the one place I can disconnect from technology and problems and remember me. 

In 2024 I took part in Swim the Night at Hillingdon Lido for Aspire which was an amazing event and the only swim where training involves trying to stay up all night!  I like to swim a different swimming event for charity each year, which is how I first came across Aspire when I took on the Aspire Channel Swim (their pool swim) in 2009.     

Aspire is a great charity, not only for the powerful cause they represent but they have a longstanding and impeccable reputation for running well organised events, especially swims.  I wanted to stretch the distance I swim without it being a race and I also wanted to swim a ‘channel’.  We used to visit relatives on the Isle of Wight and I fancied the idea of getting there on my own steam.

My Solent Swim

Swimming the Solent has been a big milestone in my swimming and fundraising.  I had to be pulled out of my first sea swim due to fatigue (I hadn't trained enough in the sea) so after completing the Solent I now know I can complete swims and perhaps swim longer distances one day. I enjoyed stepping outside my own day‑to‑day world and doing something that genuinely matters.

The whole experience was amazing!  Aspire's experience of organising these events really shows.  I felt super safe, supported and welcomed the whole day.  I can't thank my kayaker enough as well as she kept a close eye on me and was super supportive, especially when I needed a moment to catch my breath and get by bearings.   

The best bit was when we got half way.  We stopped to regroup, the sun was shining and we could see Ryde one way and Gosport the other and I felt really good about my swimming and progress. The swim took me about 2 hours 20 minutes (20 mins longer than expected but that’s the sea for you).  The water was about 19° and air temp 27°.  There was a light breeze but the water wasn't too choppy, just a bit of wake from boats to swim through. 

Fundraising for Aspire gives me a sense of purpose - a reminder that small actions can create real change for people navigating one of the toughest journeys imaginable.  I know someone with a spinal cord injury who had support from Aspire and so I’m delighted to have raised over £800 for the charity.

Sponsor Clare

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