Breastrokes with Cancer Research UK
On Saturday 1st September 2007 I successfully took part in the annual Breastrokes swim event in Lake Windermere ~ unfortunately due to health reasons my swim buddy couldn't make it and so my boyfriend Pete came to the rescue and accompanied me up to the Lake District. It was beautiful, the weather slightly overcast, but turned out to be quite a dry day on - land. The idea of being surrounded by fells, with plenty of time and space to look at the wandering clouds and enjoy the experience of swimming without lane ropes or pool ends sounded lovely, it was better than I ever imagined it would be !!!!
We arrived at the YMCA camp at around 11.30am, I registered, pulled faces at the wetsuit they gave me to wear as I handed over the £10 rental fee - and prepared myself to get cold and wet ! Pete and I wandered around and looked out admiring the Lake, until it dawned on me I was in less than 1 hour going to be swimming in it!The time had come, 2pm
Waiting in line to enter the water was amazingly nerve racking, they let 30 people in at a time - luckily for me I was in the second group so didn't have to wait around too long. The lake was manned by kayak crews and a safety boat to my relief. Upon watching the first group set off, an older gentleman came swimming back to shore after about 30 seconds submerged in the water, he got out claiming the water was far to cold… PANIC STATIONS hit group 2 and we all looked very worried. But alas, finally it was my turn… my toes curled as I entered the water - it was freezing! But I had made up my mind that I didn't come all this way to say it was too cold. We walked the first 10/12 steps to get deep enough, I waved to Pete, submerged myself and off I went…
I feel very proud of my achievement and determination to do this swim and to have come through it and completed my goal against all obstacles. (and looking silly in a wetsuit and swim cap)
I have raised a total of £777 and have more pin badges to sell to add to this. I definitely plan to do the swim again next September - although I don't think I am ready for the full length of Windermere, 10 mile swim just yet …or maybe I am ;)
It was such a fantastic event - I really do appreciate everyone who helped and supported me - right down to the words of encouragement I carried with me on the day!
We have all done a really good thing for a really great charity!
Special thanks to:
Chief Fundraiser & Training buddy- thanks for your hard work Mum - let's keep up the swimming !
Chauffer, Cheer Squad and Welcoming committee Pete - couldn't have done it without you !
Coach and Fundraiser - thank you for your wise words Dad !
We are still collecting sponsorship - help us beat the target !!!
You can sponsor by using this link: JUSTGIVING PAGE