Swimming 860km for children's mental health

Hi, my name is Lisa Shaw I am a long distance open water swimmer based in Scotland. I am embarking on a mammoth challenge to become the first person to swim around the circumference of each of the five Balearic Islands situated in the Mediterranean. A total distance of 860km. My drive; to build awareness of the rising numbers of children and young adults effected by mental health especially since the pandemic. I am specifically focused on trauma & PTSD within children. This is a cause close to my heart as I was diagnosed with PTSD at a young age. I am dedicated to educating a wider audience on child PTSD and how to detect it from an early age in hope of preventing children carrying this into their later years. Knowledge is power and with this knowledge we can begin to create brighter futures for children & young adults. 

 

This fundraiser is for two reasons, the majority of the funds will go towards Young Minds UK the leading children mental health charity and some funds will be used to put towards the first expedition (the swim). To ensure an expedition of this size can happen there are certain things that need finical support and this is where some of the funds will go.

 

I am working closely with Young Minds UK to involve myself where possible in their campaigns and development within creating positive change for children's mental health. The money raised will go towards YoungMinds Fund The Hub campaign as to where YoungMinds are calling for a network of early support hubs across the country, which would provide young people somewhere to go when they first start to struggle with their mental health. Currently the waitlist for children to be seen on the NHS is 2 years and with rising numbers of child suicide these hubs could not be anymore curtail. To learn more about Fund The Hub Campaign click the link https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/join-the-movement/fund-the-hubs/

 

Myself and my team have a series of 'The Five Island Swim' events and campaigns we are running that you can also get involved in if you would like to do your part in creating positive change within children's lives. I will keep you fully updated via here.

 

I will focus on one island at a time, first island September 2022 is Formentera which is the 2nd smallest of the islands 72km. I will be swimming the circumference of each island and aim to swim the first island in one sweep within 24hrs unassisted which means I will not be allowed to touch the support boat or land at any point until the swim is complete. I will refuel and hydrate while treading water and will only be allowed to wear a swimming costume, 1 swimming hat & goggles. My performance manager Abi Adams will be on the boat, along with the rest of the team ensuring the operation runs smoothly.

 

The Islands

1st Island: Formentera 72 km

2nd Island: Menorca 185 km

3rd Island: Ibiza 260 km

4th Island: Mallorca 312 km

5th Island: Cabrera 25 km

To learn more about my story and The Five Island Swim click the link https://www.thefiveislandswim.com

 

I appreciate all the donations given, the support and time taken to read what I am achieving.

 

If you are interested in supporting the swim in another way please feel free to contact me :)