My Story

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2020. It's a scary disease as everyone develops different symptoms and has a different MS journey. Some end up in a wheelchair, others don't present too many symptoms.

MS is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own nerve cells by damaging the Myelin Sheath. This Myelin Sheath helps nerve cell transmission speeds. The result is reduction and possibly loss of function of body movements, functions and speech.

I want to help bring hope to others with MS and other neuro-degenerative diseases, and show that incredible things can still be accomplished. 

Those that know me will know that I've always been active and have enjoyed being in the water. The thought of being heavily disabled and possibly in a wheelchair is frightening, but It's important to keep cracking on and doing what you can, physically and mentally. By living a healthy life, eating well and keeping active those faced with illness, disease and disability can retake control of their life and overcome adversity.

In September 2024 I will be swimming across the English Channel. The swim is a minimum of 21 miles (35km) and the time it takes to swim it has ranged from 6hrs 45mins to 29hours 4 mins. I will be swimming it under the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) rules meaning no wetsuit is allowed, just one swim hat, pair of goggles and pair of briefs.

Although it is a case of comparing 'apples to oranges', four times more people have climbed Mt Everest than have swum the English Channel. Unlike many endurance challenges there is no cheering, clapping crowd. There are no rest stops. Just the cold murky water and the waves. For me approximately 10-13 hours of it, with a quick pit stop every 30 minutes for the 'feeds', all whilst swimming or treading water before resuming the challenge.

Channel swimming depends on the tides, I go when my boat pilot says so. It means I might have to swim through the night, and depending on the wind and waves I'll be swimming between 10 to 13 hours.

My 2021 and 2022 training cumulated in 16mile and 21mile sea swims respectively, locally in Devon.

My goal was to raise £3000 for the South West MS Therapy Centre. The Centre has been helping people since 1983. They do fantastic work helping those with MS and other neuro-degenerative diseases including specialist physiotherapy services and oxygen therapy in a unique barochamber. Here is a link to their website: www.southwestmscentre.co.uk. 

The £3000 being raised is to help purchase a specific piece of exercise equipment Called a 'Nu-Step', which is essentially a specialist exercise bike for the disabled. 

Research from the University of Plymouth has been using the Nu-Step recumbent stepper to deliver aerobic exercise and the South West MS Centre has been part of this exciting research. Previous studies have reported this type of exercise equipment to reduce fatigue, increase quality of life, be safe and enjoyable (Pilutti et al 2016).

UPDATE We've managed to raise raised £3000! In just one week!  I'm blown away by everyones generosity. Thank you all so much! 

Our fundraising target has been updated to £8600, which is the total cost of a Nu-step. Hopefully we can all work together to by able to raise enough not just to contribute to, but to buy a Nu-step outright for the users of the South West Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre!

I will have trained hard for three years and spent approximately £8000 of my own money to prepare for my channel swim. All donations will go towards the Nu-Step, NOT towards the swim costs. 

It would mean a lot to me if you could spare any amount to help us reach this goal.

Thank you so much In advance.

Nye