One of the motivations for ocean swimming was the attraction of being able to explore places while exercising and the chance to meet new people and the fun of being part of a group – swimming in a pool does not compare. I love achieving something I have not done before such as swimming around Goat Island for the first time.

One of the unexpected highlights has been meeting such a great group of fun and interesting people. I enjoy seeing other people challenging themselves and also being able to help to give them some confidence and help them reach a new goal. The first time I put my wetsuit on it was such a battle to get into it, but it has got easier as the wetsuit has stretched.

My goals from here are to keep swimming through winter and keep on extending how far I can swim as I head into summer and then more swims without a wetsuit!