Toes in the Water: How Wild Swimming Changed My Life…

I found wild swimming at a time when I was at my lowest. I had been diagnosed with refractory coeliac disease type 2, an autoimmune condition that had left me incredibly poorly for a long time. I was desperate — willing to try anything that might bring me even a little bit of relief.

My first swim was at an organised venue. I only managed a few metres, and by the end, I was shaking so much that getting dressed felt like an impossible task. But despite that, I was exhilarated. There was something about the water, about being outside, that sparked something deep inside me.

After that first experience, I started seeking out swim spots on my own and trying to find other people who shared the same passion. That’s when I found HOWS — Hampshire Open Water Swimmers — and they quickly became my swim family. Being part of that community gave me the confidence to keep going. I started attending events, meeting incredible people, and after a few years, I was honoured to be asked to help admin the group. Welcoming new swimmers and supporting them as they discovered the same joy in outdoor swimming has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

Driven by that passion, I took on the 365 Swim Every Day Challenge to raise funds for Hilsea Lido — a beautiful historic lido close to my heart. Not only did I complete the challenge, but I went on to swim over 500 days in a row. It felt amazing to give back to a place that means so much to the community.

Over the years, I’ve entered lots of events — the Serpentine Swim, Pier to Pier swims, and even a charity swim to the Isle of Wight. I’m never going to be the fastest swimmer, but I am determined. I plod on, and I love every moment of it.

One of the roles I’m most proud of is being a Mental Health Swim host at Shawford Lock. Wild swimming is now being socially prescribed to support mental health, and I’ve seen firsthand the huge difference it can make. I only wish that more of our beautiful blue spaces had free, respectful access for swimmers following the Swimmers’ Code. Everyone deserves to feel the healing power of the water.

I’ve been lucky enough to publish a book called Toes in the Water — an anthology of stories from swimmers I admire. Every penny raised goes to support the Rivers Trust, protecting the waters we all love.

Some of my happiest memories have been swimming with my HOWS family. We’ve explored incredible spots like the Ladies’ Pond, St Anthony’s Well, and Dancing Ledge. We are so lucky to have such stunning places on our doorstep.

Wild swimming has given me more than I could ever have imagined. It has renewed my connection with nature, given me a loving and supportive community, and changed the course of my life. Every time I step into the water, I’m grateful that I took that first, shaky step — that first toe in the water

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