The Big Swim for Bella (Penarth-Clevedon)

Hola, my name is Nick and in September 2025, I’ll be swimming across the Bristol Channel — from Penarth to Clevedon — a 20km route across one of the world’s largest and most dangerous tidal ranges. I’m doing this to support a childhood friend, Karina, and her incredible daughter, Bella.

Karina and I went to school together, and when I heard Bella’s story, I knew I had to do something to help. Having two young kids myself I can't imagine how tough this has been for their family.

In May 2022, at just 5 years old, Bella was diagnosed with Philadelphia Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia — a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. After two gruelling years of chemotherapy, she rang the bell in May 2024. But just six months later, in November, Bella relapsed.

This time, chemotherapy wasn’t enough. Bella needed a life-saving stem cell transplant — only available at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Her parents, Karina and Henry, had to temporarily leave behind their eldest daughter in Cardiff to be with Bella full-time. Both have given up work to care for her.

Bella recently underwent six rounds of Total Body Irradiation and intensive chemo to prepare for the transplant she received on May 6th 2025. The family will need to stay in Sheffield for up to five months, facing emotional and financial strain.

We’re asking for your help. Any donation, big or small, will go directly towards helping Bella’s family with living costs, travel, and support during this incredibly tough time.

Let’s stand with Bella. Let’s give her family the hope and help they need.