Old Harry Rocks to The Needles - Swimming 25km(ish) for 25 years of support
UK
Dan Lovett
1461
Old Harry Rocks to The Needles - Swimming 25km(ish) for 25 years of support
Old Harry Rocks to The Needles
25km(ish) for 25 years of support
Hi 😁
If you don't know who I am, my name is Dan Lovett and I'm going to be SWIMMING from 'OLD HARRY ROCKS' (Studland, Dorset) to the 'NEEDLES LIGHTHOUSE' (Isle of Wight). The swim is approximately 25KM (ish!) of open-ocean; battling waves, tides, currents, jellies and anything else in-between... I'm going to need a lot of Vaseline, suncream, bananas and peanut butter! You're probably thinking I'm completely mad… but I will be swimming in September (weather & tide dependant) so this could be at the beginning or end of the month, I’ll keep you in the loop 🤙
Here's why I'll be raising money for ''SPRING' (Supporting parents and relatives through baby loss) & 'Myeloma UK';
Sarah & Dan's story;
In 2023 my wife and I found out that we were expecting our first baby. We were over the moon and excited to share our news with the world! As soon as you find out you're pregnant, you start to dream and visualise all of the things you want to do as new parents and start to plan for your new life ahead.
We went for a scan and found out that we weren't going to meet our little one, devastatingly a heartbeat could not be found. We were also informed that this was a 'missed' miscarriage (silent miscarriage), which felt especially cruel as there were no signs anything was wrong with our baby. Our worlds collapsed around us and it felt like a huge wave had hit us and flipped everything upside-down. Over the next week, we faced an agonising wait for a second scan at the hospital to confirm our loss - hearing that they could not find a heartbeat (for the second time) was something no parent should ever have to hear. Our little one had died and we now had to face the reality of letting go.
In our darkest time, SPRING were there to support us and navigate this new chapter in our lives. Our counselling has helped us to learn how to sit with our emotions, how to grieve and how to begin to rebuild. The support has allowed us to validate our feelings and know that our loss is traumatic. We will never forget our baby and all the hopes & dreams. Talking openly and honestly in this safe environment provided by SPRING has allowed my wife and me to grow and heal together. I will never be able to thank them enough for all that they have done, but I can swim the distance to make a difference. What better way to celebrate SPRING's 25th anniversary by swimming 25km!
Jo & Chris's story;
My Wife’s Aunty (Jo) and Uncle (Chris) have also been on a very difficult journey. Over the past couple of years Jo has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer, which has entailed several surgeries. During the work up for the breast surgery it was found that Jo also had multiple myeloma. She needed chemotherapy & stem cell treatment for the myeloma. Last year Jo spent 2 months in ICU in a coma after contracting legionaries disease (in hospital) whilst having stem cell treatment. She had a collapsed lung kidney dialysis and other complications in ITU. Chris was told to expect the worse but Jo survived against the odds. Unfortunately, back on the ward Jo contracted covid. Thankfully she recovered and is in remission, Jo and Chris got married in March 2023 - the start of their next chapter.
During this swim, Chris will be the supporting safety boat. He was the first person to say 'YES' and be completely on board with this BIG swim!
I want to use this swim to raise money for these worthy charities and raise awareness of the support that is available to those on these difficult paths. But to also start the conversation about loss, healing and how we can all support each other in these challenging periods of our lives. Sadly we have lost far too many loved ones too soon.
Thank you for taking the time to read our stories, and I hope that you can donate to this BIG SWIM!
Sarah, Jo, Chris & Dan xxxx
You can and more about these amazing charities here;
SPRING - https://springsupport.org.uk
Myeloma UK - https://www.myeloma.org.uk
Check out the raffle here and win some BIG prizes!!!
https://raffall.com/342032/enter-raffle-to-win-big-prizes-for-a-big-swim-hosted-by-dan-lovett
If you would like to follow my training, updates and info on the upcoming raffle please go to these pages;
Instagram;
https://instagram.com/dans_big_swim?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Facebook;
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094429185128
Training swims, banannas and peanut butter!
Its been a long summer of swimming, self care and fundraising!
I've had the pleaseure of making new friends, swimming with local legends and swimming the furthest I've ever swum in one go!!! 20km!!!!
I want to say a HUGE Thank you to all of you that have donated so far, spread the word and shared your words of encouragement, love and stories. I will never be able to tell you how much it means to Sarah, Jo, Chris and I. But know that us being in your thoughts, sending us love and light means th world to us all!!!
I can't wait to take on the challenge and raise as much money as possible for SPRING and Myeloma UK, but it looks like it won't be until the new year now. This has hoever provided me with the opportunity to get more training miles in the bank and raise more funds for these two wother causes.
Thank you all for taking the time to read our stories, follow my journey and hopefully get closer to reaching that £10K target!
Love Sarah, Jo, Chris & Dan X
Raffle Closing Soon!!!
Hi All,
I hope you are keeping well and looking forward to somne Autumn SUN!!!
The Raffle will be endingin 12 days time!!! 03/11/23
There have been some new prizes added!!! YAAAHHOOOO!!!!!
Please go and check it out, share with your friends and Family and enter again if you want more chances to win! Think of it as an early Christmas present to yourself or a loved one =]
https://raffall.com/342032/enter-raffle-to-win-big-prizes-for-a-big-swim-hosted-by-dan-lovett
Thank you again for all of your continued support in raising as much money as possible for SPRING and Myeloma UK
Cheersm, Dan
Longest training swim to date!
Still thinking about this dreamy swim 🤙🏊🏼♂️🫶 time in the sea gives me the opportunity to think clearly and honestly. I hope the money raised will be able to support those like myself and Jo through tough times and continue forward on their journeys.
Thank you to all those that have taken the time to read our stories and donate so far 🙏 Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming raffle, where you have the chance to win some AWESOME prizes 😜🤙🤩
SPRING Support
#dansbigswim #charityswim #openwaterswimming #oldharryrocks #swanage #community
Raffle Time!!!
Raffle now launched!
Win some BIG prizes and raise money for SPRING & Myeloma UK!
https://raffall.com/342032/enter-raffle-to-win-big-prizes-for-a-big-swim-hosted-by-dan-lovett
£3,960.50
+£487.50 Gift Aid
raised of £10,000 target
by 104 supporters
Supporters 104
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F9 months, 1 week
Fleur Harrison
I am so sorry to hear what you have both been through this year and I have been thinking of you. I am sorry I donated late but this was an incredible thing to do for such an amazing cause. Lots of love Fleur x
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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9 months, 3 weeksAnonymous
Best of luck Dan!
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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M10 months
Mandy
My family has needed the support of the SPRING team, 🦋 I know what a difficult and important job they do for so many families. Good luck Dan 🌈
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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T10 months
The Vincent's
Great causes. Best of luck. You'll smash it.
Will, Clare, Felix and Ellie x£ 50.00
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S10 months, 1 week
Sian Stokes
Good luck Dan!! Saw the link through Maria’s page. What a great challenge and cause.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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J10 months, 1 week
Jem Thornton-Naylor
Good luck Dan! Sending all my love to you both xxx
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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10 months, 2 weeks
Anonymous
£ 10.00
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R10 months, 3 weeks
Rutt Samantha
So much love for you both 🙏🏼 what an amazing achievement x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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10 months, 3 weeks
Anonymous
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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A10 months, 3 weeks
Adam & Rhiannon
Keep cracking out the miles Dan. Wishing you a following tide all the way.
£ 500.00
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D11 months
Debbie Sherman
Good luck with the swim Dan, a typical idea of yours to support this amazing charity. I really hope you and the Mrs are well. Love and hugs xx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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J11 months
Jenny Welton
Wow, what an amazing adventure! Wishing you all the best for the swim! 2 amazing charities and I'm so glad that you've had support xx
£ 5.00 (+£1.25)
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A11 months
Amy Blackburn
Well done Dan what an amazing challenge can't wait to hear about it xxx
£ 20.00
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J11 months
Jim Pascoe
Nicky and I are old friends of Jo. Good luck with the swim Dan.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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T11 months, 2 weeks
The Aston's
Fantastic Dan! Giving some recognition and support to the charities that helped you and your family through some really hard times. I'm sure you will smash it!
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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L11 months, 2 weeks
Lou, Gaz, Max and Zac. X
Dan and Sarah you are an inspiration, I will never forget the support you gave me when I needed it most. This is just a token of my appreciation and support for your journey. Good luck Dan, you will absolutely nail it!!!
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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B11 months, 2 weeks
BBDD
You are smashing this challenge and for such amazing causes. Keep swimming you legend!! We’re with you all the way!
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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V11 months, 3 weeks
Vanessa McMullen
Well done for taking on this challenge Dan. Miscarriage is very difficult to come to terms with and I'm so glad you have had the support you both needed. Something good always comes out of something bad - you are now raising awareness for 2 great causes. Best of luck and avoid those jellies!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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N11 months, 3 weeks
Nats
Dan, you are something else taking on this challenge! You are so determined and focused that I know you will give it everything and more.
What you and your wife have been through is really tough and I hope this brings you all to a good place (with all the other support) to look at the future with positivity and hope.
Big loves to you all xxxx£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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11 months, 4 weeks
Anonymous
So sorry to hear your news, Dan. Thank you for sharing your story with us and for taking on this momentous challenge. The more awareness that is raised, research that is carried out, and support that is provided, the better. Thinking of you all x
£ 20.00
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K11 months, 4 weeks
Keith B
Wishing you good luck on the day and may all the jellies pass you by.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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12 months
Anonymous
£ 20.00
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12 months
Anonymous
Keep Swimming for two great causes 🙌🏊🏼♂️
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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H12 months
Heather Sharp
Hi Dan,
Thank you for sharing your heart breaking stories. I'm so glad that you, Sarah, Jo and Chris are on the road to recovery after such traumatic experiences.
I wish you all the best with your amazing challenge and good luck with the intense training too!
Heather
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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1 year
Anonymous
Amazing challenge and amazing cause.
Well done, you've got this -
1 year
Anonymous
£ 25.00
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A1 year
Amy & Annette
It takes a very special person whose gone through something so awful to then go on and help others in a similar situation. You’re both amazing. Supporting and Encouraging you all the way
BIG love xxx£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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C1 year
Charlotte Dunford
So sorry to hear about your loss, thinking of you both. Wish you all the best for the swim, good luck! Charlotte, Chris and Chloe x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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L1 year
Lynne Ruddick
I am so sorry for your loss and am blown away by your strength. What an amazing challenge, I have no doubt that you will smash this. Let me know if there is anything I can do to support xx
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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1 year
Anonymous
With love from nanny, grandad, mum, matt, bex, luke and noah 💙 ❤ You can do it!
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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C1 year
Caitlin Holman
Good work Dan and well done for sharing your story to make others feel less lonely. Xx
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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T1 year
Tim
Good luck Dan. Terrific challenge for great causes. Sorry we cannot support further.
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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G1 year
Gina and Chris
Good luck Dan. Such an amazing adventure for very worthwhile causes. Thank you so much for doing g this and supporting my wonderful sister.
£ 40.00 (+£10.00)
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1 year
Anonymous
Good luck Dan!!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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F1 year
Fi & Tony
What a challenge! Best of luck Dan sure you will reach your goal. Lots of love xxx
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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A1 year
Amy
Good luck Dan! So sorry for your sad news. What a lovely charity to help.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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M1 year
Maria Mcveigh
Love you guys !!! You are amazing and what a great cause to be swimming for ! Always here 😘
£ 50.00
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K
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F1 year
Fiona & Marco
So sorry for your loss. Your little one is having an impact on the world even though they aren't able to be here. All the best for the swim. x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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S1 year
Sharon Miles
So sorry to hear that Dan and Sarah, good luck with the swim Dan xxx
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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I1 year
Izzy Scarratt
Proud to have such a strong aunty and uncle, two incredible couples. Good luck! ❤️
£ 10.00
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T1 year
The Wright family
Amazing challenge, can't think of anyone more suited to smash it!
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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G1 year
Gemma Knill
So sorry to hear your sad news Dan. This is such a great cause, all the best for the challenge Gemma & Laurence x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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A1 year
Andy and Rachel Scarratt
Amazing effort for amazing charities and amazing people. Good Luck Dan.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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D1 year
Debbie
Good luck with the swim Dan - what a feat! I’m glad to give in thanks that Jo is still with us 😘
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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1 year
Anonymous
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J1 year
James
So sorry to hear your news. Let me know if I can help in any way. I know you’ll absolutely smash this swim. Iron Dan 💪🏻💪🏻
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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O1 year
Owen
What a challenge and for a great cause. Your a braver man than me!
Wishing you and your family all the best.
Best wishes
Owen, Ellie and Evie.£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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