A South Shropshire woman who once nearly drowned as a child is taking on a remarkable swimming challenge to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Yasmin Sulaman, from South West Shropshire, originally set herself the goal of swimming 20 kilometres throughout June as part of a fundraising challenge for a cause incredibly close to her heart.

Each year, Yasmin chooses a personal challenge to support a charity that means something special to her. Previous challenges have included completing triathlons and taking on the gruelling National Three Peaks Challenge in just 24 hours.

This year, however, she wanted to do something that would truly push her outside her comfort zone.

Cancer has had a devastating impact on Yasmin’s life. She has lost her mum, family members and close friends to the disease, and knows first-hand the feeling of helplessness that comes when someone you love is facing cancer.

“Supporting research is one small way of fighting back,” said Yasmin.

Despite doubts about whether she could complete the challenge alongside work and everyday commitments, Yasmin showed incredible determination by getting into an outdoor swimming pool every day for 14 consecutive days — whatever the weather — until she reached her 20km target.

But when she completed the challenge, Yasmin realised she was not ready to stop.

She has now decided to continue swimming for another seven days, increasing her target to 34 kilometres — roughly the distance of the English Channel in a straight line before tides are taken into account.

The achievement carries an even deeper meaning for Yasmin, who has lived with a fear of deep water since nearly drowning as a child.

“A Channel crossing is something I could never imagine doing,” she explained. “But this challenge isn’t about crossing the English Channel. It’s about proving to myself that fear doesn’t always get the final say.”

Yasmin hopes her challenge will not only raise funds but also awareness of the importance of continued cancer research, helping to provide families with hope, improved treatments and more precious time together.

She added: “If you’ve supported me, encouraged me, shared a post or donated — thank you. It means more than you know.

“Cancer research relies on people doing exactly that, so I’m going to do the bit I find hardest and ask. If you’re able to donate, no matter how small the amount, I would be incredibly grateful. Every pound helps fund research that gives families hope.”

Yasmin is continuing her challenge throughout June and hopes her journey will inspire others to face their fears while supporting a cause that affects so many families.

To support Yasmin’s Cancer Research UK fundraising challenge, donations can be made here:
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/yasmins-giving-page-2076