Aged 51, Wendy Figures shows it’s never too late to take on a challenge.
My muscles ached but I continued battling against the sea’s current as night turned to day. Then, with one last stroke, I made it to the shore. I’d just completed a 22-mile open-water swim...
I’d always loved swimming and had competed in galas as a child but, by 26, I stopped to concentrate on raising my daughter Katie, then four. Georgie was born in 1998, and Ella a year later, but my passion never left me, and I loved teaching my girls to swim. In January 2002, when Ella was three, I decided to set up my own swim school at the local council pool near my home in Sheffield
But then in June 2012, a friend mentioned he’d been open-water swimming in a beautiful lake 40 minutes’ drive from Sheffield. At that stage, I’d only ever swum in a pool or the sea on holiday with my partner Paul. But it was the way my friend talked about swimming in the open air that fired something inside me, too. I was 46, and couldn’t imagine plunging into wild waters, but what was the harm in giving it a go?
This story is from the November 06, 2017 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 06, 2017 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The benefits of waking up early
I can almost feel my daughters rolling their eyes at the thought of me writing about the joys of waking up early.
'Rylan makes me MILLIONS!
The presenter talks about his love life, professional success and his alter ego
GATSBY
He needed a home, but was Maria barking to even consider taking him in?
My mindset MAKEOVER
After losing 4st, the future is bright for Hazel James
Eat more WEIGH LESS
Feel fuller while losing weight with our exclusive plan from Slimming World
Autumn tricks YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stop cold, dark nights disturbing your sleep with these expert cheats
'HARRY WILL NOT BE BACK'
Reports of Prince Harry wanting to return to the UK and royal duties are, I’m told, ‘completely wrong’.
'I'M HONOURED to still be part of Strictly'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke on the hit show and why he'll never retire
Would you keep CANCER A SECRET?
Model Elle Macpherson revealed she kept her battle with the disease hidden - we find out why many others choose to do the same
'Ruth has handled the split WITH DIGNITY'
Coleen Nolan on grief, supporting Ruth Langsford through divorce and moving in with boyfriend Michael Jones