On Saturday 20th September, David Neale swapped spreadsheets for a wetsuit and joined thousands of hardy souls in Hyde Park for the Swim Serpentine 2025 challenge – two miles around the iconic lake at the heart of London.
In true British style, the decent Summer weather had other ideas and did not partake. The water temperature decided to stage its own dramatic subplot, dropping a brisk 4 degrees in the days before the event. By the time David waded in, it wasn’t so much the “tropical dip” of two years as “an instant wake-up call.”
Still, David had plenty of company – not just from fellow swimmers, but also from the resident wildlife. The geese …… and an ‘interested Heron’ (in the words of Bob Mortimer) lined the banks like stern officials, clearly unimpressed with the sudden invasion of neon swim caps and middle-aged spread wrapped in neoprene. Meanwhile, a few curious carp took it upon themselves to act as underwater escorts, though (to David’s relief) they kept their distance.
Despite the chill, and the limited training, David powered through and completed the full two miles, all in the name of raising money for a cause very close to his heart: Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of friends, family, and clients, and a top up from Cartesian Wealth, David has so far raised over £6,000 – every penny going towards the life-changing work of the hospital and its incredible team.
From David and Cartesian Wealth, a heartfelt, humbled thank you to everyone who supported, donated, and cheered him on (whether in person or from afar).
