Dipping in Derwent for Blue Spirit

Will you sponsor me to swim 400m (or possibly 800m) in a freezing cold reservoir on 29 June?

Yes, that's what I have signed up for. The Derwent Dip, an open water swimming event at Derwent Reservoir, County Durham.

Full disclosure - this is pretty far out of my comfort zone and I need all the help I can get!

It's going to be a challenge. I had a knee replacement at the end of February and since then I haven't done much exercise to speak of (beyond the recommended physio and a hobbling dance or 2 at my wedding). And I HATE being cold.

And now I've decided to do this.

I'm not doing it just for the craic though. Inspired by my nephew and 5 other brave (foolhardy?) athletes who are running the Great North Run for Blue Spirit in September, I thought I should do my bit too. Blue Spirit - set up in memory of my darling son Laury - aims to boost mental health and help prevent suicidal ideation in struggling young people by enabling them to go sailing.

One of the places our young people go sailing is Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, hosts of this event, so this is very fitting.

2 days after the swim, it will be the 5 year anniversary of Laury's death. Doing this while hopefully raising money for a cause established in his memory will help me get through this difficult milestone.

Thank you for your support, Solen