My name is Adele Benson. I was born in London, grew up in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, and now live in Bristol with my fiancé Josh and our cat, Caspian.

I work full-time as a Campaigns Manager in the conservation sector, specialising in advocacy campaigns that aim to change systems and influence decision-makers. Alongside my professional work, endurance swimming has become a defining part of my life.

Following the pandemic, I found myself moving back in with my parents after completing my Master’s degree. That period became a wake-up call. I realised I wanted to find fulfilment and purpose beyond full-time work alone, and I turned to sport as a way to challenge myself, build resilience, and set meaningful goals.

I began swimming and strength training regularly, setting myself progressive targets through organised events. When I built up to my first major swim – the length of Windermere – I realised it was half the distance of the English Channel. That simple fact sparked a question I couldn’t shake: what if?

In June 2024, I successfully swam the English Channel in 15 hours and 13 minutes. Since then, I have completed a number of other long-distance and marathon swims, including:

• Length of Windermere, Lake District
• Coniston two-way, Lake District
• Ullswater, Lake District
• Lake Annecy, France
• Gdynia to Hel, Poland
• Escape from Flat Holm Island, Bristol Channel
• Round Jersey Relay

These swims have reinforced my belief in setting ambitious goals, backing yourself when things feel uncomfortable, and using sport as a platform for positive change.

Why Toucan Diversity

My involvement with Toucan Diversity began while I was studying at the University of Portsmouth. As a member of the Rotaract society, I was offered the opportunity to take part in disability equality training. During that session, I was lucky enough to be seated next to Paul Smith OBE, Toucan Diversity Ambassador.

This understanding came from my own experiences: seeing how my grandmother and cousin were treated, and witnessing my aunt having to take the local council to court simply to secure a school place that could meet my cousin Eleanor’s needs.

I was also deeply inspired by Paul’s own fundraising challenges and his commitment to causes he believes in. That combination of personal experience and inspiration led me to start volunteering with Toucan Diversity as a Trustee and fundraiser.

Through Toucan, I also met Madissa, the charity’s founder, who sadly passed away in October 2020. Her vision continues to shape the organisation’s work and values.

I firmly believe that for most people, it is not if you become disabled, but when. Disability touches all of our lives – through ageing, illness, accident, or injury. Many of the adaptations that improve life for disabled people benefit everyone, from step-free access and captioning to everyday innovations like the electric toothbrush.

I have seen first-hand how hard disabled people – including members of my family, friends, and colleagues – have had to work simply to exist in spaces that were not designed with them in mind. Toucan Diversity’s approach works because it focuses on changing systems rather than individuals. By using the social model of disability, Toucan empowers people, educates organisations, and removes barriers to full participation.

That is why I am proud to support Toucan Diversity through this swim.