Yes, it's crazy!   I am attempting to swim the English Channel to raise money for WEZIMBABWE. I am placed to swim next July and I've already started a vigorous training routine.  My family, my husband Mark, and two young boys Josh and Alex are going to need to devote a lot of their weekends and time to help me achieve my goal and I am overwhelmed by the support that they have given to me so far.  It already takes a lot of dedication balancing work, childcare and training.  Mark has taken to the job of watching the kids every Sunday while I trek over to Liverpool to train in the Albert Dock.  My mum, Roseanne, my sister Danielle and her fiancé Jason don’t know yet but they will be spending a lot of time in Dover next summer to watch the children as well as helping keep Mark sane. I would like to thank them all in advance for their help and support!  

Although I am really excited at the moment - I think! there are many hurdles to overcome.  Just to name a few; I will have to overcome the slime & grime of outdoor swimming facilities, avoid jelly fish getting stuck down my costume, weeds, ice cold water , early starts, keeping Josh out of the water, convincing Mark that I can give up drink for 6 months, giving up drink for 6 months. The list is endless and I’m sure will be on my blog as my challenge continues…… 

I used to swim for Zimbabwe and therefore understand that dedication and training that is required to achieve a goal, however this is a totally different way of swimming – endurance not sprints!  So it's all new to me.  I started open water swimming this year and joined the British Long Distance Swimming Association.  I have already competed in the 2 mile race at the Albert Docks in May finishing 2nd.  I also did a 4 miler at Rivington reservoir in June finishing 15th.  As the race draws closer I will be stepping up my training but as you can imagine it’s not so much the physical challenge but more mental. The ability to stay mentally focused for such a long time, with all the cold, creatures of the sea, ferries and the inevitable yuck!! Sewage! 

It is going to be hard to stay so focused for an entire year and hence the reason I'm asking you to sponsor me so far ahead.  The more money I raise for Zim, the more I will quite literally be encouraged not miss training, every penny will push me closer to France. Having said that, even if I wanted to, I would never get away with it under the eagle eye of my devoted coach and colleague, Lesley Matthews who politely told me where to stick it when I suggested she be my 'pal' on the boat to jump in and spur me on when I'm struggling.  Cheers for your dedication Lesley!

If you want to follow my training and swims feel free to visit my blog:  http://jacquismithschannelswim.blogspot.com

After reading all that, if you’re still keen on supporting my swim then please donate at the below secure website or you can get in touch with me for alternative ways to donate.

To donate: http://www.justgiving.com/jacquismithschannelswim

To see more about WEZIMBABWE: http://www.wezimbabwe.org

Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far and please can you forward this to anyone you may think will want to support my challenge. 

Jacqui Smith