Xavier Headlam

As October comes to an end

As October comes to an end, I wanted to share that my little fish took on the October Swimming Challenge in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital — and he did an amazing job!

For those who aren’t aware – Xavier has been doing the October Swimming Challenge for Great Ormond Street Hospital. He really wanted to raise money for seriously ill children, and since he loves swimming, we decided to combine his passion with a good deed.

From the very beginning, I knew he would give it his all to reach his 8km target, and he certainly did. With his fastest 100m (2’25’’) on the 18th of October, he swam even further than planned — over 5km extra if we include his swimming lessons throughout the month.

We didn’t manage to swim every single day as originally planned — it turned out to be a bit tiring for a young swimmer, and school always comes first — but that didn’t stop him from completing his challenge with determination and heart. I am so incredibly proud of him for taking on this challenge to help very ill children who can’t enjoy the kind of carefree childhood he has.

Words can’t truly express how proud I am of his effort and compassion. 💙
A huge thank you to everyone who supported and sponsored him — your kindness and generosity mean the world.

The donation page is still open, so if you’d like to show your support, there’s still time to contribute and help make a difference for the children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Just 1km to Go – A Huge Thank You from Us!

Just like that, we have only 10 days of October left — and our little fish is just 1km away from reaching his goal!

He’s swum 10 times (not including his twice-weekly swimming lessons), and he’s already completed an incredible 7,000 meters — that’s 280 lengths of a 25m pool. On average, that’s 28 lengths per swim!

I’ve watched him stroke by stroke at Colfe’s swimming pool, and I couldn’t be prouder. His resilience has been inspiring. Every time he struggled, he’d say, “Mummy, I need to do it – I need to push through to help the children. I can’t stop now.”

Hearing him say that each time reminds me just how big his heart is, even in his small ribcage.

Words can’t truly express how proud I am of him. Thank you so much to every single one of you who has supported and sponsored him — your generosity means the world.

3 Days into October – Our Little Fish is Making Waves! 🐠💙

We’re just 3 days into October, and Xavier has already completed 3 swims, covering a total of 1.5km!

• On Day 1, he swam a solid 500m

• Day 2 was a shorter but still strong 300m

• And today, he absolutely amazed us with a huge 700m swim — that’s 28 lengths — completed in under 30 minutes!

This is truly incredible for a child who isn't even 6 years old yet. We are so proud of him — not just for the distance, but for the heart and determination he’s putting into this challenge. He’s taken it very seriously, and he’s giving it his all.

Today, something especially touching happened. After his swim, we met a lovely lady named Helen in the changing room. She shared with us that when she was 10, she spent time in Great Ormond Street Hospital. She kindly donated to Xavier’s fundraiser, and we’re so grateful to her.

Thank you, Helen — your kindness meant a lot. 💜

But a huge THANK YOU is not going just to Helen but to everyone who has supported our little swimmer so far — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Every single pound raised will help make a real difference in the lives of very ill children who, unlike Xavier and his friends, can’t enjoy the carefree moments of childhood right now.

Let’s keep swimming, supporting, and spreading hope. 🏊‍♂️✨

#SwimForGOSH #LittleFishBigHeart #ProudParents #ThankYou

Preparing for October

We just want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has generously donated so far. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated.

As we prepare to start counting those lengths (all 325 of them!) on 1st October, we wanted to share a little more about the young swimmer at the heart of this effort – our very own Xavier. 😊

Xavier has been swimming for 5.5 years now (he turns 6 in December!), and everyone who has seen him in the water agrees – he’s an absolute natural. From his very first swim, it was clear that he’s happiest when he’s splashing, gliding, and pushing himself in the pool.

So when we heard about the opportunity to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital – a place that cares for children who are seriously unwell – Xavier didn’t hesitate. He wanted to be part of it and use his swimming to help others. 💙

This little fish is not only swimming with skill, but also with heart – and we couldn’t be prouder.

Thank you again for standing behind him and supporting this wonderful cause. Your generosity is making a real difference to children in need of critical care.

Stay in touch for more updates 

Xavier is swimming 8km in October for GOSH Charity!

I’m challenging myself to swim 8km this October to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).

Childhood is special. It should be a time of joy, wonder, curiosity and fun. Of making friends, making mistakes, and growing into the adults we become. But it’s also fragile, and sometimes all too brief.

That’s why Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity raises funds to help give seriously ill children childhoods that are fuller, funner and longer. For the children from all over the UK who are treated by Great Ormond Street Hospital every day, for children with rare or complex illnesses everywhere, for this generation and all those to come. Because no childhood should be lost to serious illness.

And with every kilometre I swim, and every pound raised, we’ll be helping to give seriously ill children the best chance and the best childhood possible.

Please help me to achieve my goal by giving whatever you can; no amount is too small to make a difference.