Jack's English Channel Swim

In late August of this year I will be attempting to swim the English Channel, from England to France, in support of young people suffering from eating disorders and depression.

I've never swum at a high level and before I started my training it had been about 12 years since I had done a lap of a swimming pool, but these causes are close to my heart for many reasons.

First and foremost, my amazing younger sister Sami has battled with an eating disorder for nearly 10 years. She is one of the strongest and smartest people I know, but at times it has been very difficult to see the way the illness has affected her. They say that people don’t get eating disorders, families do - and in my experience that is certainly true. While everyone’s struggle is unique, eating disorders as a whole are not. Over 1 million Australians, and 1.25 million people in the UK are estimated to have eating disorders today. Together, by raising awareness, destigmatising eating disorders, and fundraising for the future we can help the people and families who are affected, and reverse the growth in eating and body image disorders in the world today. Every time someone receives proper care their life could be saved.

My secondary motivation is my own experience. At the age of 14 I was diagnosed with depression. I suffered with it on and off for about six years, often spending days at home not going out. On many occasions I thought it would be with me for life. I was fortunate to receive proper care, to feel supported by my family and friends, and to have opportunities in life that allowed me to change my environment and work through the challenges I faced. Today I am as happy and healthy as I have ever been, but these illnesses are still incredibly common. As many as 20% of us will experience a mental illness each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 45. Through research, compassion and proper care we can improve the lives of people suffering with depression. Together we can make sure that mental health initiatives get the funding and awareness they deserve.

The two organisations I have chosen to support are the Butterfly Foundation and the Black Dog Institute. These are two incredible groups which are leading the way in the battle against eating disorders and depression respectively. I am privileged to be supporting them and to play a small role alongside such hard working and well-intentioned people. All donations will go directly to funding the next generation of research and care in these important areas. Donations will be automatically split 50/50, and a tax deductible receipt will be provided. The cost of the swim and preparation have been paid by me.

Thank you for reading and (hopefully) see you on the other side of the Channel.

Jack