I was recently touched to learn about and to see the committed work that is being carried out by the team and volunteers at the Mary Hare School in Newbury.  The team work effortlessly to secure the future for deaf children and young people.  Approximately 90% of the students that attend the Mary Hare School are profoundly or severely deaf and through its teachers and volunteers, the school provides such positive influences on its pupils, enabling them to grow and to develop into adulthood.  

When I read about the Sink or Swim campaign that the Mary Hare School set up to raise funds for much needed renovations to the swimming pool, I was keen to help 'save' the facilities from potential closure.  

At a recent visit to the school, I found it amazing and humbling to chat to and to interact with the students.  One pupil in particular described in great detail how the Mary Hare School had helped her to achieve in life so far and how her confidence had grown through her attendance.  I found Annabelle's story inspirational, yet extremely emotional too.  

So, this is me... Debbie Fish (such an apt surname!).  I have always felt drawn to water from childhood through to my adult life and I have loved the amazing experiences that being able to swim have given me; whether whizzing along slides at water parks, riding the waves in the sea or having fun in open water lakes with the fish and eels!  

On Saturday 2nd July 2016, I will be taking part in my first open water swim event, the 6km Bantham Swoosh.  This will be followed closely by a weekend of outdoor swimming during the 16th and 17th July, where I will complete a total distance of 8.2km, at two separate events.  Please watch this space for updates and for details of other swimming events that I will be training for.

Thank you very much for reading my fundraising page.