I am a primary school teacher in Newcastle and really enjoyed the Great North Swim – the whole experience was amazing.
I taught my class of eight-year-olds all about swimming outside in the cold, and I took a load of photos to let them know what it was like to swim across Windermere. They are starting to learn to swim, and I think it was a great boost for them.
I swam for an ME charity, ME North East, that cares for those with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). My cousin Jo has ME and before her illness was an awesome swimmer. I felt that I was swimming for her personally, and when I dived down and put my head into the freezing cold water, I knew that she would not approve if I jumped out straight away and whinged about an "ice cream head ache!"
I felt such a sense of achievement and pride.
The best part of the day was half way across the murky lake, when I lifted my head and saw swimmers to the left and right of me. The clouds parted and shafts of light beamed down ahead. I felt such a sense of achievement and pride. I knew the adrenaline that was helping to push my arms and legs through the water was fuelled by this awesome sight.
The finish was great – people cheering and shouting – and my medal still hangs behind my school desk under a label saying 'things I am proud of.'
I would love to do the swim again and would recommend it to anyone.