My Story

written 2025

Hi, I'm Stacey, a 39 year old single mum to 2 children. 1 teen & 1 toddler. And guess what?.... Ive always had an fear of water! 

Being splashed in the pool by the kids fills me with dread! I never took my eldest swimming when he was little, which i regret!! But as I got older, I didn't want to put my fear in my youngest. So I put my big girl pants on and started her with lessons at 3month old. 

It was allways obvious my anxiety was there, but over time, I've managed to become more confident. 

BUT..... can never manage to get my face under!

Recently, Ive been wanting to learn to swim, so I took my 1st lesson on the 27th september (2024) just 3 days after that lesson, I decided to go "lane swimming" somehow, I managed to swim 22 lengths with my face in the water!!!!!! 

I couldn't beleive it! I was so so proud of myself! 

I've always been competetive, and Ive always loved a challange. So one day, I had an idea that I could not shake off!! 

SWIM THE ENGLISH CHANNEL 🤦‍♀️ 

Because pool water isn't scary enough right? Open water terrifies the c**p out of me! Dragged away, eaten by sharks, who knows how deep it is?? I need to touch the floor!! 😫 

I literally had 2 panic attacks in the pool this week in 1 swim! That's how bad it is! 

But I will not be knocked down by my fears! With a history of mental health, I NEED TO DO THIS! This is my fight!

And to do it for a charity, there was no other option for me other than Josephs Smile 🙏 

So please, help me on my wins, and my struggles, give me that motivation to keep going by donating as much or as little as you can 🙏🙏🙏

I'm looking at doing the Channel in 2028 depending on my training (phyisicallly & mentally)

you can follow my journey on Facebook

Search "Stacey Chorley (fear to finish)"

Much love, Stacey x