English Channel Virtual Challenge for Asthma + Lung UK!
I’m turning 40 this year, and while a milestone birthday is a time to celebrate and reflect, it’s also a gentle reminder of those who sadly aren't here anymore. This year, to honour the memory of my Dad - Tapan Kumar Chatterjee - I’m raising funds for Asthma + Lung UK by taking on a swim challenge! Over the 6-weeks leading up to my birthday, I plan to swim the equivalent of the English Channel at my local pool. That is 21 miles (34 km), or 1,352 lengths of a 25-metre pool - Phew!
The backstory : My Dad lived with lifelong asthma, and we ultimately lost him to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - a lung condition that took him before his time. Watching someone you love struggle with the simple act of breathing, and seeing how it restricted his ability to live fully, was incredibly hard.
My parents always encouraged my love of the water from a young age, so it seemed fitting to taking on a swim challenge to remember my Dad memory on my milestone birthday. I will be 'virtually' crossing the English Channel by powering through laps at the pool, over several weeks, and will cover the distance equivalent of the English Channel swim from Dover to Calais. I will be challenging myself to beat my personal best for time bound lap swimming - aiming to cover anywhere from 60 to 100 lengths of a 25-metre pool each swim session - wish me luck!
I am hoping to raise funds for Asthma + Lung UK, a charity dedicated to funding vital research, advocating for lung health, and supporting families affected by respiratory diseases. While there is currently no cure for COPD, having access to proper care, treatments, and support makes living with and caring for a loved one far more manageable.
Any donation, big or small, would be so appreciated, and your words of encouragement will be even more valuable to get me out of bed for the morning laps! Thank you so much for your support.
