What better way to celebrate turning 40 than by swimming the length of Lake Windermere?
That's what Marcus Caton is doing, and on the way he's hoping to raise more than £2,000 for us in our 40th anniversary year.
Marcus will head to the Lake District to make his attempt on September 7th and is keeping his fingers crossed for good weather.
Earlier this year, Mr Caton, the head of sixth form at Long Eaton School, approached neighbour Allen Forsyth, who is a member of the Anthony Nolan Ashbourne Friends, about being one of just 100 people who will take part in the Windermere Wild Swim, from Fell Foot Park to Low Wray.
Growing up and living in Australia for over 30yrs Marcus always had an affinity with the water.
Since then he's married a country lass and is now living 100 miles from the sea in the hills of the Peak District, so it felt like time for him to return to the open water.
To mark his 40th Birthday, Marcus’ wife challenged him to a real swim, 10.5 miles in the cold dark waters of the Lake District.
Marcus says, ‘My wife knew I was looking for a new challenge, so here I am, 2 weeks away from something special.
"I am swimming for Anthony Nolan because of the links a good friend and neighbour has with the charity and because it is a charity that the students in my school support each year’.
Since then he has been busy training, although he is no stranger to sport generally, spending much of the year as national panel referee for the Rugby Football Union.
He also swims regularly, especially with his three small children, aged six, four and two.
Marcus has already raised more than £600 and is hoping to pass his target of £2,000.
He said: "I know that Allen is a tireless worker for Anthony Nolan and it seemed quite natural to suggest I have a go at this challenge and raise money at the same time.
Mr Forsyth is delighted Mr Caton has decided to take part in the Windermere swimming challenge.
He said: "When Marcus told me what he wanted to do, I was amazed but also very pleased.
"I know he has been training very hard and I wish him all the best in his attempt, for such a fantastic cause.
"All the money he raises will go to adding more potential lifesavers to the Anthony Nolan register, a cause very close to my heart."
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Marcus in support of his challenge should visit www.justgiving.com/macswimswindi
We’ll make sure to keep you updated with how Marcus gets on!