A mother is celebrating her 60th birthday by fulfilling her dream of swimming the English Channel with her family to raise money for LOROS Hospice.
Trish Jackson, her three children, and her son’s fiancé, will be taking to the water later this week, each taking their turn to swim a stint of the route.
Trish was surprised with the gift of swimming the channel by her children, who knew their mum had wanted to do it since she was a teenager.
“It was a total surprise. When they told me what they were getting me for my 60th birthday, I felt every emotion; it was a mixture of being amazed, excited and nervous.
“I’ve wanted to do this for 45 years now and for them to want to do it with me is just amazing. I’m so proud of them.”
Trish, who has been a competitive swimmer from a young age, grew up in Leicester but now lives in Nottingham.
“We’ve been training in lakes and we’re all good swimmers,” she added.
“I just hope the water is calm and the weather stays sunny.
“All I know for sure is, this will definitely be one birthday to remember.
“Next year though, I might just ask for a trip to the spa.”
With her husband accompanying the team in a boat, each of the team members will take it in turns to swim around one hour slots.
“We’re not wearing wetsuits, we’re just wearing trunks or swimming costumes,” said Matt, one of Trish’s sons who will be swimming with her.
“We could’ve bought mum flowers like normal sons but instead, we asked her if she wanted to swim the Channel with us.
“She was in complete shock when we asked her, I don’t think she expected to be doing this for her 60th birthday. It will be such an achievement for us all.”
As well as celebrating Trish’s 60th, the team will also be raising money for two charities, LOROS Hospice and British Heart Foundation. They are hoping to raise more than £1,000 for each cause.
To sponsor them, visit: justgiving.co.uk/teamjacksonchannelswimBHF
This was one mother's dream challenge. We have plenty more challenges for you to choose from and you can raise funds for LOROS in the process.
