“Swimming the Serpentine was an unforgettable experience!”

Published: 6 July 2026

Dive into a new challenge this September and support better bone health for everybody…

If you love wild swimming, making a splash in London’s iconic Serpentine lake has to be on your bucket list – and 2026 is the perfect time to do it.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the open water swimming challenge, Swim Serpentine, and we’ve got some exclusive charity spaces up for grabs!

Specialist physician, research scientist, and President of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Professor Emma Duncan, took on the half-mile swim herself last year to help raise funds for people with osteoporosis – and it was an experience she’ll never forget.

“I love swimming so when I read in the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) newsletter about the chance to take part, I didn’t hesitate!” she explains.

“As a clinician-scientist working in bone diseases, I know how important the skeleton is. I also know how essential collaboration is between organisations that share the same mission: promoting a healthy skeleton for life.”

Facing the challenge

“My enthusiasm wobbled slightly when I started thinking about the reality of the event,” admits Emma. “The water temperature - undeniably cold. The distance - more than I’d trained for. And wild swimming brings its own unpredictability: waves, weeds, and the occasional curious wildfowl!”

But despite all of that, everything went ‘swimmingly’!

“Even in the drizzling rain, the atmosphere was full of energy and excitement,” Emma recalls. “Once we were in the water, everyone settled into their own pace, and even the ducks kept a respectful distance. My wetsuit certainly helped too.”

Finding support

For Emma, the highlight of the whole experience wasn’t the finish line - it was the support she received along the way.

“Friends, colleagues, and peers donated so generously to the ROS, and their encouragement meant the world to me,” she explains.

The best part of the challenge? “Getting out of the water!” laughs Emma. “But mainly because of the sense of achievement, pride, and happiness of having completed the swim, knowing that I’d honoured all my sponsors who believed that I could do it and gave their money to support such an important cause.

“ROS Fundraising Manager, Cathy, also sent me cheerful communications before the event and she was there on the day itself – it really made a difference to have her supporting our endeavour.

“I chose to swim because I believe deeply in the mission. Osteoporosis affects millions of people, yet awareness, research, and support are still urgently needed. By raising vital funds for information and support, we can give everyone the chance to live with strong, healthy bones throughout their lives.”

Stronger together

Taking part in Swim Serpentine is a reminder of just how powerful collective action can be.

“Every donation, every message of support, every stroke through the cold water contributed to something bigger - helping the ROS continue its vital work,” adds Emma.

“Being involved in community sporting events like this is all about the joy that comes from participation - and the celebration that, collectively, we can make a difference.”