UPDATE:

The original challenge was to swim the length of Loch Lomond in a relay team made up of five people. Unfortunately due to being massively let down by the safety boat on the day and exhausting all other options we were not able to swim in Loch Lomond. However, I am so pleased to say I completed a new SOLO challenge by swimming the whole length of Loch Lomond 36.4 km by myself over the course of three days, starting on the 2nd of September 2021 and finished on the 4th of September 2021. It took me a total of 11 hours 25 minutes swimming time and was definitely a much harder but more beneficial challenge and personal. I would like to thank everyone who has donated to this page I am so grateful and am beyond shocked at the amount we have raised. I would also like to thank CAMSAR as they yet again  came to our rescue, Barry a member from CAMSAR followed me around all 81 laps of the lake in a kayak in case of an emergency and he also massively helped keep my spirits up. Wayne has been a huge support from day one with absolutely everything, and has been a rock for all o f us. And finally Louise very kindly gave me a sports massage straight after the swim which was definitely needed and a huge help with the sore muscles post swim! You are all superheroes and none of his would have been possible without you.  If you have facebook please head over to my profile Natalie Smith where you will be able to see the daily updates with pictures and videos of each swim day. Thank you so much to everyone who has been a part of this emotional roller coaster. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have you all in my life, thank you so much.

Lots of love
Natalie xxxxx



I am delighted to announce that I will be swimming the length of Loch Lomond (34.8km), Scotland in August 2021. I’ll be completing the challenge with my team Wendy Brown, Lee Mitchell, Paul Sawyer and Keely Brian. Over the past year of lockdowns, we have trained tirelessly, when permitted, to ensure we can meet the challenge. We’ve trained in 5 degree water temperature, rain, wind and snow – all of which has prepared us well, as we won’t be wearing wet suits during the swim!

I am taking on this challenge in memory of my dearly loved Dad (Mick Smith) who I miss every minute of every day and I cherish the love and support he gave me and the happy memories that we had together as a family.

We are taking on the challenge to raise funds for Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue (CamSAR), who hold a very special place in my family’s hearts. CamSAR is the Lowland Search and Rescue Team covering our county, often also assisting sister teams in the wider region. Below is an excerpt taken from the CamSAR website, describing the invaluable role they play in our community:

“As a Lowland Rescue team, we provide Cambridgeshire Constabulary with an emergency specially-trained team in the search for vulnerable missing persons. A vulnerable missing person could be a child, an elderly person living with dementia or someone who is considering taking their own life. In each case, an emergency response is vital.

CamSAR is able to deploy various specialist resources including water-based search teams, bike search teams, drone teams and dog teams. The team is able to operate a fully self-sufficient search with its own radio communications, search equipment, IT and planning and mapping tools as well as full welfare support.

Available 24/7/365, the team is made up 100% of dedicated fully trained volunteers and receives no government funding, relying entirely upon one-off grants and individual donations – and team members’ own pockets – to continue to provide this service.”

Myself and the team would be so grateful for any donations to this wonderful charity using the link provided.