We’re beginning to find a rhythm now.  My daughter, Miranda, and I have been swimming more regularly – helped, of course, by our immense luck in living a short walk away from the wonderful Thames Lido and having access to a relative’s outdoor pool.

The Thames Lido is a gorgeous place to swim.  The water feels soft, ever so slightly salty, and cool but not cold.  It’s a million miles away from the harsh chlorine tang and overheated pools of my schooldays.  Their ‘wash naked before swimming’ policy keeps chlorine levels low, and there are heavenly toiletries in the showers to encourage bathers to have a proper scrub.

I swam my first mile there a couple of days ago and, though it was in a pool rather than open water, this achievement has given me confidence that I will manage to go the distance in July.

Another boost arrived in the form of a postal bag bulging with goodies: an enormous, fluffy Dryrobe to keep me warm after my future wild swims, a Zoggs swimming costume and goggles, a Swim Secure bright pink swimming cap and tow bag to keep me (and my specs, phone etc.) safe while in the river, and a Selkie Swim flask and hoodie.

Having swum in plain black costumes most of my life, I was slightly surprised by how uplifting it felt to be wearing brighter colours.  Little things, eh?