Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It's been a long time since I was able to anything of a sporting or active challenge to fundraise for my charities! My Crohn's is complex to say the least and alongside the added battle with fibromyalgia I have become more and more disabled over the years. I don't like to focus on what I can't do though! I won't be walking, running or cycling any time in the foreseeable future

BUT I CAN SWIM!

:-D I proved my abilities to myself last year in Swim Serpentine and this year I'm teaming up with my mum, Jill.

Open water swimming has given us a way to be able to exercise safely and enjoy the activity at the same time. I've had hydrotherapy at hospital but this takes it to another level and I love it! I can only swim breaststroke, though I would describe my technique as more like drunk-frog stroke. Joint pain and fibromyalgia limit the motility I have in my limbs but I get a much greater range of movement in water than on land! I'm slow but I get there in the end and that's the main thing.

Most of my open water swimming has been in the sea around the coast of Kos in Greece. In the waters of the UK I need to wear a wetsuit and have managed to get a two piece suit that is much easier to get on and off with my appalling dexterity and also gives me quick and easy access to my ileostomy bag in case I have to empty or change the pouch quickly!

I'm so glad that I have joined the Thorpe Lake Open Water Swimming group! What a lovely group of people and a wonderful place to be swimming, as well as wandering along the banks of the lake watching the varied wildlife. I can't wait to get back into the Serpentine! Hyde Park is a beautiful part of London and a haven for wildlife too.

I would be thrilled if you can support mum and I in our own personal challenges and help others who are facing the many challenges of living with bowel disease! I also hope that my story can inspire others living with chronic illness, pain and fatigue to give open water swimming a go. It does me the power of good both physically and mentally to be able to get this regular exercise! It doesn't matter if you only go short distances or are slow like me, the great thing is to actually be taking part, being active, happy and comfortable in your own skin.

Thank you to everyone, friends, family and fellow swimmers for all the support and encouragement you have given me! Sarah

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