A few years ago my son spent some time in Bristol Children’s Hospital, one of 30+ hospitals where Read for Good run their Hospital books and stories programme. We were lucky enough to receive a Read for Good book during our visit. It’s hard to describe how much that meant to us at a tricky time — it felt like a small kindness that showed us we were cared for. His book is still treasured, and we return to it sometimes to remember those distant days.

Fast forward a little, and I was keen to do something to say thank you for the amazing care we’d received. As a regular (but not very fast) swimmer, a swimming challenge felt like a good idea. I’d seen open water swimming as part of the Olympics and thought it looked incredible, freeing and a little scary. I decided to give it a try, and signed up to the Great North Swim.

I trained well, diligently shuttling up and down the lanes in my local pool, trying hard not to touch the sides or the bottom, until I could manage a mile comfortably. Friends, family, colleagues and contacts were amazingly supportive and generous and suddenly I had lots of sponsors. I couldn’t back out!

The day of the event came, and I joined the hoards at the starting line. There was a palpable buzz, a party atmosphere as we went through the mass warm-up, with music, laughter and crowds cheering on the participants. And then, deep breath and into the water!

I was not prepared for this! It was COLD! With hindsight I would definitely have visited a local lake and swum outside BEFORE the event to get used to it. The feeling of cold only lasts a couple of minutes and then the body adjusts. Breathe!

It was the first time I’d worn a wetsuit. Who knew that a wetsuit made swimming so different? I was weirdly buoyant, and couldn’t keep my legs from floating to the surface, and from tipping forward, face in! But after a while I’d got the hang of it, and slowly inched around the course.

Progress was slow, but I was determined to get round. At one point I was telling myself “that’s another pound raised” with each stroke.

And the feeling of seeing the finish line creeping closer was incomparable. Being handed my finishers medal was a moment of pure euphoria — I’d done it! Smashed my challenge and raised money for such a good cause.

I like to tell people I finished with the elite athletes, which is absolutely true. I tend not to mention that they’d set off at least 2 waves after me! 

It was slow, and it definitely wasn’t pretty. But would I recommend the Great North Swim? Absolutely. 

Taking on the Great North Swim was such a rewarding challenge for me, and I invite you to consider taking part yourself. 

Take Part

Barbara Williams

Head of Fundraising

PS If the Great North Swim isn’t for you, why not take a look at some of the other events we offer, and take on your own challenge. We can guarantee it’ll make you feel invincible!