To Whom It May Concern,
I recently began my journey as a masters swimmer, after years of not competing, following inspiration from my mother, who is also a masters swimmer, she has competed for as long as I can remember, not only at county, regonial and national events, but at European and World masters swimming events, including the most recent championships which were in Budapest Hungary last year, where she broke the British Record in the 200m Butterfly.
She then went on to break her British Record and the European Record in the 200m Butterfly, In a time of 3.04.69 at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge international sports centre in October of last year.
We both swim for a club in Sussex, Mid Sussex Marlins, who are based in Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath. However we train solely on our own at local swimming facilities. My mother Sally Mills trains at David Lloyd Worthing, and I train in Steyning at places for people leisure.
In January we both competed in the Regonial Championships at the K2 in Crawley, competing in both individual events and team relays. This was my first major competition in twenty years.
As a mother myself having my daughter by my side, cheering me on, for the first time was truly amazing. I want to inspire her to achieve her goals throughout life. She is one of the next generation.
In June we will be competing in the British Masters Championships in Plymouth, swimming individual and team events for Mid Sussex Marlins. This year my mother, Sally will also be competing in the European Championships in Slovenia, aiming to gain a European Long course title.
As Masters Swimmers, we not only fund our own memberships to the swimming club, we also fund our own memberships at local gym and swimming facilities, we also cover our own entry fees to competitions, travel expenses and the costs of our kits, race-suits and all our equipment any swimmer can not train or compete without, as do all masters swimmers.
As you can imagine, competing on a international stage for your country is extremely costly, especially as we look ahead to the World Championships, which will be taking place in South Korea, in August 2019. My first international competition representing Great Britain.
I have now set up a fundraising page, backed by the club and am also now looking at contacting local companies with regards to seeking sponsorship to achieve our goal to compete in Korea.
I would greatly appreciate any support, and sponsors which will help me in raising vital funds, to send a Mid Sussex Marlins team including myself and my mum, running up to the World Championships over the next 12 months.
If you have any questions, or would like further information please do not hesitate in contacting me.
Yours Sincerely,
Lisa Mills.
Sussex Masters Swimmer.
GB Masters.
Road To South Korea.
