English Channel Virtual Challenge - Laps for Lung Health!
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 taking on a birthday fundraiser challenge! I aim to swim a total of 21 miles (34 km) - the equivalent of crossing the English Channel! - to raise funds for Asthma + Lung UK.
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 this swim challenge. I will be 'virtually' crossing the English Channel by powering through 21 miles pr 1,352 lengths of a 25-metre pool (the length of the Channel swim from Dover to Calais!) between now and October.
My goal is to raise money 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.
