We would like to wish Michelle Milburn the best of luck when she takes part in the Great North Swim on September 4th 2010.
The Great North Swim is a one-mile open water swim in beautiful Windermere, Cumbria. The challenge is open to swimmers of all abilities and last year an impressive 6,000 swimmers took part over two days.
So far Michelle has raised a fantastic £200 from those who have sponsored her. The money will be split between the St Mary’s Hospice at Home Service and St John’s Hospice Outreach, Lancaster.
Michelle has decided to take part in the Swim to raise money for both hospices, after he mother, who was diagnosed with cancer, received home care in the last few months of her life. Michelle’s mother was able to remain at home throughout her illness, in familiar surroundings, with her family and friends by her side. This was made possible by the help of St John’s Hospice Outreach Service who give support by relieving carers.
Michelle commented: “I want to thank them for their hard work, and want to help raise money to enable more people to be cared for in their own home.”
Michelle came up with her fundraising idea while watching the Great North Swim in 2009. “I had not swum in 20 years but I thought it looked a good challenge. The swimmers made it look easy. My mum had just been diagnosed and I thought this would be a good challenge for me and a great way to raise money for the Hospices.”
Michelle started training by swimming on a regular basis and she soon got back in to the rhythm. On Tuesday 20th July she did her first swim in Coniston Lake. Michelle had been putting this part of her training off, so her friends made sure that they attended for moral support!
“I found swimming in the lake very different to the swimming pool. The water was brown and I couldn’t see more than 2ft into it. It was very daunting and I worried about what was lurking beneath the surface! The cold water took my breath away and I was unable to do my usual stroke. Swimming further out I reached the middle. I started to doubt myself and felt anxious that there was no bottom or sides to touch and we just had to keep going. The skies were dark, it was raining and I was cold. What was I doing out here?!”
Michelle completed her training session with the help of encouragement and support from her friends. “I continued and started to enjoy myself. It was an amazing feeling bobbing around in the middle of the lake looking at the view with heavy rain falling. I now feel much more confident and I am ready for my next training session.”
Good luck Michelle!
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