We’re super excited to introduce the four members of our SwimSerpentine team, who will each be taking on the challenge of swimming in the world-famous Serpentine lake, in London's Hyde Park, on 14th September. All four swimmers have an amazing story to tell, and we are incredibly proud that we can now include them as a part of our Small Acts of Kindness family.

With four distance options to choose from, the SwimSerpentine is a fantastic event that suits all abilities and promises to be an enjoyable, memorable open water swim.

Swimming the 1 mile, are good friends Jenny Bullock and Roz Wyllie. Jenny & Roz have been friends for over 25 years and swimming has always been a much enjoyed part of their lives.  

Roz is a keen long distance swimmer and long time Peter Pan fan, so is very excited for the challenge. She has supported Small Acts of Kindness over the years as a community partner, and we were delighted when she volunteered to swim for us.

Jenny is a keen open water swimmer and is really looking forward to sharing this incredible experience with her good friend, whilst raising money for a wonderful cause.

Roz shared the story of her and Jenny’s friendship, “When we first met, we were working together in Northumberland and we'd go swimming once a week after work, and from there our watery friendship was created. About twenty years ago we completed our first swimathon. Fast forward over the decades and in amongst the children, city moves, job changes and shared holidays, we’ve managed to squeeze in open water swimming in Croatia, dips in Hampstead Heath Ponds and Marrakech to last year's Henley Mile challenge.  

This year, we've been swimming in Sunderland, Northumberland, Cumbria and the London Royal Docks - and we're planning a road trip next week, to an unheated outdoor pool in Yorkshire, to prepare us for our Serpentine adventure.”

Our 2 mile swimmers, Liz Pilny and Roxy McCarthy, are both proving that determination, courage and motivation to help raise money for a cause that is close to their hearts, can overcome even the biggest of challenges.

Liz, having only recently developed her skills as an open water swimmer, is now about to swim 2 miles in the SwimSerpentine. 4 years ago she couldn’t swim front crawl and was scared to get out of her depth, especially in open water. Her tenacity is truly admirable.

Liz tells us, “I have seen this wonderful charity develop over the last few years and want to see it continue to grow. They do amazing work in the community. As part of my training, I have just come back from a wild swimming weekend in Dorset. It was wonderful. A bit slow, but sea swimming is so different.”

Having only learnt to swim in 2022, with a genuine fear of the water, Roxy’s can-do attitude is an inspiration.

Roxy explains, “I will be doing this as part of the Mental Elf initiative, to promote mental health awareness, have a bit of fun, and also spread the ‘small acts of kindness’ message. I am very close to my grandparents and they have always supported the elderly community.  

I’m quite nervous as swimming is a continual challenge for me, but this is part of the London Classics which I hope to complete next year. I have a strict training programme, which includes 1-1 sessions, to help improve my power and strength. I also recently visited the Serpentine Lido to familiarise myself with the surroundings so I can manage my expectations, and I did my longest ever swim there which I am super proud of!”

To support our swimmers, please visit their individual fundraising pages below.

Jenny - Jenny swims the Serpentine for Small Acts of Kindness

Roz - Swimming the Serpentine for Small Acts of Kindness

Liz -  Swim the Serpentine for Small Acts of Kindness

Roxy - Mental Elf Swims to Support Kindness