Aubrey’s Swim in aid of Suffolk Mind

Aubrey is swimming 5km at the Olympic Pool in Stratford on Saturday 9th November for Suffolk Mind.

“I was a very poor swimmer as a young man, but after lessons in 2011, I completed a 2km breast stroke swim outdoors for MacMillan Cancer charity in aid of my Mum who past away in 2009 to this abhorrent disease. Ten years later – I have taken the decision (at the ‘tender’ age of 55) to set myself a new physical and mental challenge.

My initial plan was to push myself into completing a 3km swim (50% further than my last!) however there were no swim challenges of 3km so I have decided to challenge myself even further and am taking part in a 5km (equivalent to a half marathon on dry land) at the Olympic Pool in Stratford on 9th November 2019 in aid of Suffolk Mind – after checking my life insurance :).

Having had further technique lessons using the ‘shaw method’ of swimming, I am training hard in the pool and at the gym – at some mind numbingly early hours of the day (6am) 5 days a week. My training plan was written by my 2011 swimming instructor ensuring that I would be ‘swim ready’ within just 8 weeks – thus avoiding injury and illness (no pain no gain right). I’ll give it my best shot and would be over the moon just to achieve it. 

I have decided to choose Suffolk Mind as my charity as I have some of my best ‘time out’ whilst I’m swimming and use this as my time to completely switch off from all of life’s stresses, especially my mobile phone.  My wife also works for the charity and I see, through her, all of the good work that is carried out to support those struggling with their mental health, particularly in men where the statistics of suicide are so high. I’ve learnt a lot about it these last 12 months and have been shocked at some of the statistics.  Every little helps to continue the good work of Suffolk Mind so please dig deep! Thank you.”