Will you sponsor me to do my first long-distance swim in a cold reservoir on 29 June?

I'm braving the cold to raise money for Blue Spirit, a charity set up in memory of my partner's cousin, Laury, who died following mental health challenges in 2020. Sadly, I never got to meet Laury. He lives on in the memories of our family, who tell me about his warm laughter, Breton dancing and deep love for the sea.

Blue Spirit enables young people (aged 14 to 25) who are experiencing a mental health challenge or facing social/economic disadvantage to go sailing. Through our sailing partners in the north-east of England, we offer anything from half-day dinghy sailing, weekend sails and 6-day residential voyages. As a trustee of the charity, I've seen firsthand the impact these trips can have on young people's wellbeing and am proud to be part of its work.

For me, wild swimming has been a way to deal with the physical and mental impacts of Chronic Pain. The water brings me peace (after a fair amount of shouting and swearing while getting in.) The Derwent Dip is a great challenge for me, considering my health struggles, and I'm very proud to be doing it for Blue Spirit.

We hope to bring the calm and joy that Laury found in sailing to more young people, and your donations will go towards funding more of these life-enhancing trips.