Every Week, I Return to the Waters In Which His Spouse Died

The couple in earlier times
The pair initially connected during school and shared over four decades together

Every seven days, ex- Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings returns to swim in the bay where his wife his spouse ended her life.

He explains the practice brings him solace and allows him to carry on her legacy by embracing her love for swimming.

A little more than a year ago, the sixty-year-old went missing in the sea at Wardie Bay after taking a dip. She was recovered in the region a short time after.

"I miss Jenny daily," he stated. "She had an incredible bond with people and likely concentrated on other people's health more than her own mental health."
Jenny spearheading a wellness initiative
She had spearheaded a charity campaign to help people improve their mental wellbeing

They trusted the therapeutic benefits of exercise and even organized outdoor aerobics classes for their neighbors during lockdown.

On the day of her vanishing in last year, Jenny had been seen by a therapist after her condition took a turn for the more severe.

He had planned to meet her in the later that day for a swim session in the Firth of Forth at her preferred location in the bay.

In her dark days, he noted it was a "sanctuary" for her.

However, as he realised he did not spot her and instead saw her buoyancy aid secured close by, he called the emergency services for assistance.

She was located five days later, on the their wedding anniversary.

Jenny had lived with depression for two decades before she died, and Scott said there had been multiple previous incidents earlier.

Scott with family at the water's edge
Scott, shown here, with his son and daughter his family at Wardie Bay

Going back to Wardie Bay has become a regular practice and allows Scott space to remember the couple's long-lasting together.

"The fact that we swim where she went for her final swim, it's very reflective and meaningful," he said. "I'm not disguising the fact that it's tough at times."

Now more than a year after Jenny passed, Scott's ex- sports colleague a friend is undertaking an extraordinary feat to collect funds in her honor.

He begins an attempt at swimming the 60-mile stretch of the Scottish waterway which links the eastern sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Caledonian Canal view

He is the first person to try to navigate the waterway which cuts across the Highlands, from the western shore at Corpach near a location to the eastern shore at Inverness.

As a result, he will be in the chilly temperatures of the canal, which links constructed channels and freshwater lochs, each day for up to several hours.

Iain stated Jenny had "courageously battled" her mental health challenges and inspired many through her passion for outdoor swimming—"an activity she was skilled at."

Iain Sinclair getting ready
He will be the first person to complete the whole route

Although other people have swum individual lochs along the way, he has been given authorization from Scottish Canals to pass through all of the canal gates.

"I think it'll just be about maintaining the physique in good condition," he said. "At my age, not 28, and I think trying to do 10km—equivalent to a endurance event—daily for the next week and a half will be the demanding part."

Part of the funds collected will be given to a wellness organization, in honor of Jenny.

Iain in training
He will be in the cold water for up to several hours a day

Additionally, he is collecting donations for digestive conditions, following his own personal medical struggles, and for the a heart charity after the sudden death of his close friend Colin Maguire.

He will be backed by a crew which includes his friend, who said he might jump in to swim with him for a few lengths along the way.

"In my opinion it's wonderful because it brings greater attention," noted he. "He's been an inspiration for me and it's just taking that tradition forward."

"She would've loved to have seen him attempting what he's undertaking and would be extremely pleased of him. I look forward to get onto the support vessel to cheer on him."

Rachel Edwards
Rachel Edwards

Certified spinning instructor and fitness blogger passionate about helping others achieve their health goals through dynamic workouts.