Hi, My name is Tanya and I have completed day 12 and the challenge to swim the length of the English Channel in cold water at Henleaze Lake. The total length will be 21 miles or 200-400 lengths of Henleaze lake. The challenge is made harder by reducing water temperatures and the diminishing length of swimmable water as autumn approaches. The challenge is also that I face my own health struggles leading to increased stress, anxiety, fatigue and pain, However for me swimming in cold water helps and so I aim to help others through my own self care.

I am raising funds for 3 worthwhile causes who work hard to improve the life and mental wellbeing of others who otherwise could not afford to access services for that purpose.

The 3 causes are:

Maybe Southwest - https://maybe-southwest.co.uk/. A small local deserving charity who offer free or low cost counselling to those who cannot afford private therapy and are not eligible for NHS funded help.

OpenMinds - https://www.openmindsactive.org/ A local charity whose mission is to make swim-based activities accessible across Bristol, helping people connect with nature in blue spaces. By doing so, they aim to enhance mental wellbeing and reduce social isolation.

Wellbridge House - Community Rehabilitation - https://www.second-step.co.uk/our-services/recovery-mental-health/community-rehabilitation/. This is where I work in the accommodation service and clients are encouraged by the team of recovery navigators to learn skills to live independently and strategies to help them reconnect back into their community and reduce social isolation and increase resilience to life stress. I wish to raise funds to treat the residents to a day out at The Really Wild Place for World Mental health Day in October.

I will also donate 10% of funds raised to the Lake Charity for the upkeep of the beautiful grounds.

So I said that I have completed day 12 so that means 225 lengths or 21 miles in total in a temperature today of 17 degrees Celsius. It takes me 1 hour non stop each mile. My longest distance in one day was 2.5 miles and my longest swim without a break was Friday gone with just over 2 miles or 2 hours of swimming achieved. It’s really tiring I promise. 

The challenge was also to fit the lengths in around my schedule in mental health and private practice as a counsellor. The colder it becomes the harder it will be. NB I do not swim in a wetsuit but just my swimming costume. My concession to cold is gloves and boots to reduce pain if the temperatures fall below 13 deg C.

I would really appreciate every donation however small or big, Every little pound adds up to big pounds so please do support me. Your support gives me energy and power and the motivation to keep going even when the going gets tough to quote an 80s film soundtrack. (I'm showing my age now!! LoL. )

I will continue to swim the miles now that I know I can!!

The challenge for me has gone well so thank you for reading and if you have donated or are considering donating, thank you even more.

I am so grateful for all the support you have given me!!!!!!!