17/07/2026
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🌊 *Meet the Team – Jo Kelly - aka Wriggler* 🌊
Next up in our *Meet the Team* series is the lovely Jo....
Jo only discovered open-water swimming in July 2023 after a chance coffee at Taplow Lake with a friend. When she was invited to join everyone for a swim the next day, she thought, "Why don't I?" She's been back every Sunday since.
A physiotherapist and Pilates instructor from Langley, Jo loves the incredible sense of community that comes with open-water swimming. For her, swimming is about far more than fitness. It has taught her to become "comfortable with discomfort" and given her confidence to face life's challenges. Living with Raynaud's means cold-water training isn't always easy, but she never lets it stop her—although a hot cup of tea afterwards is definitely non-negotiable!
Jo admits she often feels like one of the slower swimmers in the group, but she's proof that determination counts for just as much as speed. From celebrating her first 400 metres to completing the 5.25-mile Coniston swim, every milestone has shown her just how much is possible with perseverance and the support of an amazing team.
Supporting Thames Hospice is deeply personal. Having lost both of her parents to cancer, Jo understands how precious time with loved ones really is. Through her work as a community physiotherapist, she's also seen first-hand the difference hospice care makes to patients and their families. Helping the team raise enough to fund a full day of care at Thames Hospice would be an incredible achievement.
When asked what she's most nervous about, Jo doesn't hesitate: "Swimming through the night, with only the support boat alongside and the darkness below". But she's equally excited for the camaraderie of taking on the challenge together—and, of course, celebrating afterwards with lots of cake!
Jo's message to everyone supporting the team is simple: "Thank you. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Thames Hospice continue providing outstanding care, compassion and support to local families when they need it most".
Please support Jo and the team here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/thames-sea-lions-2026
