I belong to Her Spirit (HS), a community of women whose aim is to become the best version of ourselves in whatever life stage we are in – motherhood, menopause and beyond. One of my HS Open Water swim mates suggested ‘Coniston End to End’. This is a swim from the South end of Lake Coniston to the North, a distance of 8.5km (or 5.25 miles in old money).

I decided I would take up this challenge as I needed a focus to get back into training after some time out due to a shoulder injury. I signed up in October 2021 with the event in June 2022.

The plan was to swimble (not a technical term but in common use!) over the winter months when the water can be as cold as 2°C then start training sessions indoors in the New Year with coaches Mel and Holly, who are also the Co-founders of Her Spirit. This plan would allow my shoulder more recovery time and I felt confident that if I kept up the exercises from the physio I would achieve the swim.

I was born to be in water, and have always felt most at home in it- I connect to its flow. My thoughts flow differently, more easily, my body moves with more ease too… or it did.

I spent my youth training as a competitive swimmer, it was a life that I loved. Butterfly- the closest I could get to being an actual mermaid,

that or always being at the bottom of the deep end.

In my late 20’s, I took to the seas on a surf board, travelling to the most beautiful locations as often as possible, until I had my son age 39.

When breast cancer called everything changed- way more than I could ever have expected.

I received a breast cancer diagnosis age 45, when my son was just 5. Having already turned what was a chaotic overworking stressful life into a calm, more natural lifestyle, I navigated my treatment integratively- implementing just as many and powerful and effective natural protocols to support my healing as there were drugs administered- I was determined to negate the side effects and thrive through treatment, which I did.

My first outing post chemo ending was a swim with friends at a local lake in a full mermaid tail and a flower crown.

I again was able to soothe my soul with the water- I had literally counted the days.

What I hadn’t factored in was that my journey would then include 4 chest surgeries, and recovery time that was not only physical. Unable to dress easily, unable to reach up, behind or rotate my arms, unable to get a costume or wetsuit on without tears-ever noticed how much you use your arms before you even swim?

Having always been a tall athletic & strong, the impact of treatment, surgery and medical menopause meant became someone I barely physically, or in any other way, recognised. I look back now, not to “before and after cancer”, but “before and after the swimming stopped”

I set my goals one by one- I swapped my surf board for a paddle board no shoulder rotation required. I was on the ocean on that board weeks after my first mastectomy.

I’d already begun to navigate life in and around water, but the experience had changed the landscape of my confidence too. 

I was so self-conscious, but determined nothing, would stop me now. It took navigating the next smallest manageable step, lots of deep breaths, figuring out the kit that would work, having the support of a great friend and as always oils and energy work to keep me calm. It took a village at the start.  I’ve gathered lots of little tips and tricks to get me confidently pool, lake and sea side now- especially if a wetsuit is required, but once in the water I have always felt like “just me”. I’ll share these tips in the next blog installment.

At the point of entering the water, and especially since regaining my arm ability and strength over time, I can actually forget about it all. 

Recently, I celebrated swimming the Swim for Her challenge from Her Spirit and Zoggs at Spring Lakes, where I was also guest speaking in my professional capacity as The Breast Cancer Conversations, where I support other women on this journey in finding natural solutions for finding calm and confidence, and getting closer to nature so that they can thrive forwards too.

LOVE RACHEL xxx

Pic of me in my gorgeous gifted Zoggs cozy- with pockets!!

For my brilliant and comfortable Boost breast forms- both part of my swim survival kit – more coming up on those soon!