Wow, I absolutely loved Sunday both the swimming and the day.

Gordon, Natasha and I stayed in a hotel the night before and at breakfast a lady on crutches came in with an Open Water Swimming Sweatshirt. It transpired that she was swimming and when she heard it was my first time took time out to reassure me and chat. It turns out she was part of the Aspire swimmers and had been part of a channel relay in 2009 – now that is inspirational! She even came down to the field to see me finish and gave me a huge hug – I don’t know her name but just know she is a vicar from North Wales – if she reads this thank you for spending the time with a nervous me.

The time seemed to go so fast from registration to actually meeting the other girls and walking up to the start. It was good to find that we all had similar fears and nerves. Lucynda, Judith and I only just made it to the start when the klaxon went and then we were off. It was nowhere near as bad as I thought probably because I was at the back, but I felt I settled into my swim quite quickly and began to enjoy it and relax. I was aware of people shouting from the bank and even heard my own family at times particularly near the end.

When I finished it was my best time ever. In the pool the mile was taking around an hour and in the lake about 55 minutes but I managed 42 minutes.

On finishing I felt real elation and a sense of achievement -not cold or tired as I expected. The photo of me climbing out shows on my face how happy I was. My husband, daughter, son and my son’s partner were all there to greet me plus my nephew and his family.

The rest of the day was great spending it with my family who also really enjoyed the day. Our interview with Ali where for once I was quiet was interesting and frightening to hear the statistics, but I had been one of those women who stopped sport because my body wasn’t perfect and I felt too old. I am so glad I entered This Girl Can and still ecstatic that I was picked – I don’t think I can thank you enough. I feel I have been on a 3 year journey – getting back into fitness after visiting a yoga fitness retreat where I was told don’t worry about anyone else or what you look like just do it for yourself and then the This Girl Can 12 weeks where I have pushed myself and have found a new love of swimming outside.

I retire in December after working for 52 years without a break, even for children and was worried about what I would do -now I know something I shall be doing – outdoor swimming and learning front crawl ready for next year’s Henley Mile! I have already entered for a Mill to Mill swimming event at Dedham in Suffolk , am entering for Henley today and am looking at the Great East Swim and Serpentine ones as well.

A huge thank you to all involved in Henley particularly Becky, Juliet and Katia, also all the sponsors who gave us our great equipment, my family especially my husband Gordon who has supported me all the way on this. My son told me he was really proud of me on Sunday and it is not often your children say this to you so that was special.

See you next year and good luck to the 2020 girls!