Ben's Dart 10K Swim

Good day,

On the 14th September 2025 I will be participating in the River Dart 10km swim marathon. As someone that grew up swimming competitively over a short distance and struggles with any sort of long distanced exercise, this event seemed like a good challenge for me. With family and friends around me completing marathons on dry ground, I knew this was my chance to tick a marathon completion off the list. Although I am fully used to swimming in a pool, I haven't got much experience in swimming in a river for multiple hours. As this will be a challenge not just physically, but mentally, I have decided to see if I can raise some money on the side to make the swim even more worthwhile. The two charities i'll be raising money for are the Teshie Foundation and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

The Teshie Foundation is a family run charity that with local community led partners in Ghana to implement innovative projects which work to empower young people equipping them with tools for a future away from poverty. Their work is centred around 3 core values which place local communities at the heart of our work:

Together, we can make brighter futures.

CALM is a UK-based charity focused on preventing suicide and supporting mental health, particularly among men. It was set up in 2006 with a primary mission to take a stand against suicide, the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. Through my adult life I have experienced mental health in many different ways and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. CALM works wonders in providing a helpline/webchat, awareness campaigns and community support to help stop people living miserably.

These donations will be split evenly across both charities. Every donation is appreciated greatly.

Bring on the 14th September!