Serpentine Swim: Gemma takes the plunge for WAY

October 2025

One chilly morning in September, WAY member Gemma took the plunge for WAY, raising funds with her two childhood friends by taking part in the Serpentine Swim in London. Here’s her story…

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“The first photo is me and my two childhood friends at Reading Lido – two incredible people who have supported me through this tough chapter since my husband died. Our meet ups often involve swimming, so it felt natural to ask them to join me for the Serpentine Swim in Hyde Park. True to form, they said yes – and together, we raised funds for WAY Widowed and Young – and all three of us exceeded our fundraising targets, thanks to some very generous donations. Together, we raised nearly £900.

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Since losing my husband, life has been a series of ‘firsts’ – many I never saw coming. The first meeting with other members of WAY’s peer support network. The first online chat with other widows within WAY. And now, my first sponsored swim. Every one of those moments has brought nerves, yes, but also a quiet sense of calm and achievement afterwards.

There are, of course, the more painful ‘firsts’. The first birthday, Christmas or New Year’s Eve without your partner. Those are agonising. So I try to balance those moments with other kinds of firsts – ones that are challenging but also potentially joyful.

I’ll admit, I did have second thoughts about signing up for a swim in the chilly Serpentine on a cold September morning. But then I reminded myself: this is life now – full of unknowns. And unless you try, you never know. Thankfully it proved to be a highlight of September. What I hadn’t anticipated was the incredible buzz of energy emitted from all the swimmers before we dived in! A brand new feeling to experience…

What kept me motivated was the thought that, if I could raise some money for WAY – and if that helps even one widow or widower to feel less alone, whether through a WAY Zoom call or an in-person meetup – then the freezing toes were absolutely worth it.”

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Thanks also to WAY member Louise, who swam six miles in this year’s Serpentine Swim and raised £285 for WAY. Louise told us: “It’s now seven years ago since I joined WAY and I’m so glad I did. It’s been life-changing for me. And I continue to support this great charity.” 

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And to 19-year-old Abbie, the daughter of Head of Operations Colette, who raised nearly £400.

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Altogether, the intrepid swimmers have raised more than £1,500 to help provide a lifeline to more young widowed people like Gemma and Louise across the UK.

Feeling inspired? Join the Serpentine Swim next year on Saturday, 19 September 2026 and dive in for a cause that brings support, friendship and understanding to people who have been widowed at a young age. 

Swim Serpentine takes place in the stunning Serpentine Lake, in the heart of Hyde Park, London. Whether you're a first-time open water swimmer or a seasoned pro, this event offers something for everyone. You can choose from four distances to suit your goals: half a mile, one mile, two miles, six miles.