Real story: "I'm taking on Swim Serpentine in honour of mum"

Meet Sue, one of our six incredible Swim Serpentine swimmers.

Sue is taking on the iconic swim event this September, all in the name of raising funds for the ROS. Sue was kind enough to share her reason for swimming with us.

“My mum was diagnosed with osteoporosis in her 70s, and I’ll be swimming in honour of her.

“Mum’s osteoporosis led to deformities of her spine, which became more visible as time passed. Eventually her spine couldn’t properly support her when she stood up, although when sitting she was comfortable, and it wasn’t so obvious there was a problem.

“Her mobility suffered terribly, but with walking aids she still lived independently and loved an adventure, enjoying her holidays in the sun. She tried hang gliding on a trip to Cyprus (twice) when she was 80, much to her family’s utter shock! She loved fun and wanted us to have fun, too.  

“She had a history of fractures and, to our amazement, made full recoveries each time. However, after a complicated wrist fracture she moved into a care home. With one arm compromised, her mobility became more challenging and independent living wasn’t an option. She loved the company and activities and had lots of fun there.

“She had a fall fracturing her hip but made a good recovery. Four months later, another fall caused catastrophic fractures to her spine, pelvis, the other hip and her shoulder. She sadly didn’t recover from these injuries, and we lost her recently.

Being in the water is a great distraction from your thoughts and heals you mentally, emotionally, and physically, of that I’m certain.

“I took up wild swimming after losing mum, which has helped me to cope. Being in the water is a great distraction from your thoughts and heals you mentally, emotionally, and physically, of that I’m certain. I’m sad she doesn’t know about swimming, and I often wonder what she’d say about it.

“I’d heard about Swim Serpentine and thought it sounded like a great challenge. And when I stumbled across a Facebook post from the ROS about raising funds by swimming the Serpentine, it was like it was meant to be. I could swim in memory of my mum and raise funds to help others affected by this condition. I feel honoured that I’ve been accepted on the team.”

Touched by Sue’s story? Donate to her Just Giving fundraising page.

Taking on a fundraising challenge is an amazing way to remember somebody. If you’re looking for a way to do something in memory of someone you love, check out our current events.