Where It All Began
I grew up in Hastings on the South Coast, where the sea was part of everyday life. That early connection to open water shaped who I am — but in 2011, everything changed. A cycling accident led to diagnoses of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and eventually to becoming a wheelchair user.
For several years, swimming felt out of reach. But in time, my love for the water returned stronger than ever, along with a determination to ensure that open water swimming is a space where disabled swimmers are welcomed, supported and celebrated.

Rebuilding, Reimagining & Returning to the Water
As I found my way back to the sport, I began training as both a swimming teacher and an open water coach. I started writing about my experiences as a disabled swimmer and created the ADOWS Facebook group, which has since grown into a supportive community for swimmers around the world.
My journey has taken me through some extraordinary challenges and achievements, including:

Ultra Swim 33.3: Montenegro (2024 and 2025)
English Channel Solo (2023) – x3 World Records
English Channel Relay and Thames Marathon Swim (2022)
Lake Windermere 2‑Way (2021)

These swims are more than distances; they represent resilience, adaptation and the belief that open water belongs to all of us.

Coaching, Community & Advocacy
I coach and Lifeguard with The Cambridge Swim Company and am Head Swim Coach and Inclusion Officer at the BRJ Run and Tri Club. Inclusion is at the heart of everything I do — from coaching sessions to community projects.
Alongside coaching, I write regularly about open water swimming, disability and access. I am:

• A monthly contributor to Outdoor Swimmer magazine
• A contributor to several books, including The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
• A writer for the World Open Water Swimming Association
• A contributor and Ambassador to the STA
• A guest on multiple swimming, sports and BBC Cambridgeshire podcasts

Through writing, coaching and advocacy, I aim to amplify disabled voices in the swimming world and push for meaningful change in how open water spaces are designed, managed and understood.

Why I Do What I Do
Swimming has given me strength, community and purpose — and I’m passionate about helping others experience the same. Whether through coaching, writing or championing accessibility, my mission is simple:
to open the water to everyone who wants to be part of it.

If you are interested in coaching, having me appear on a podcast, at a speaking event or you are looking for someone to write about disability in swimming, please contact me: