Do you enjoy a dip? An amazing team of swimmers are planning to swim the English Channel to raise funds for Say Aphasia. 

As a Speech and Language Therapist and great friend of Say Aphasia, Kirsty Maguire has chosen to take on one of the most iconic swims in the world in aid of our charity. Along with a team of 5 friends and colleagues, she’ll attempt the ‘Everest of Swimming,’: the 21 mile stretch of water that separates England and France. 

In Kirsty’s words: ‘I love extreme challenges and I wanted to do something ‘different’ to raise money for a cause so close to my heart. I’ve worked as a Speech and Language Therapist specialising in aphasia for 25 years. I see first-hand the devastating impact this chronic condition can have on people and their extended families. It’s life changing. Loss of identity, loss of income, loss of role in a family. Say Aphasia is an incredible charity. It provides support, education and above all hope to those with aphasia. I felt compelled to try to raise the profile of aphasia and the charity. 

This has taken three years of dedicated cold-water training. A colourful journey, which has included; a few jellyfish stings, a close encounter with a seal and dolphin in Costa del Hove. An early morning dip with Chris Eubank and a healthy dose of hypothermia! Not to mention chasing a lady along Hove promenade as she absconded with my clothes!’

The attempt will take place between 17-23rd June 2023 (weather dependent).

Kirsty is currently well on her way to smashing her £3000 donation target, and would be so grateful for any more donations. 

To help explain and to encourage even more donations to this amazing effort, check out this video created by fantastic Say Aphasia supporters Mark and Caroline.

And you can also keep track of all the team's preparation and their progress on the day at their dedicated Facebook page below. 

Go Kirsty! We’ll be rooting for you every bit of the way. Wishing you all the best of luck, calm seas and no jellyfish.

 

See Facebook updates

  

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