Wellington Place is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a thriving community powered by people. This series of interviews aims to highlight some of the people of Wellington Place, share their inspirational stories and find out why Wellington Place is much more than just a place to work…
Interview with Tammy Goddard, Business Improvement Manager at Legal Aid Agency
The English Channel swim is often considered the aquatic equivalent of climbing Mount Everest. With her passion for swimming, it’s a challenge Tammy Goddard will be tackling in July to raise money for SwimTayka. We speak to Tammy about her love for swimming and how preparation and fundraising is going for the big swim…
Can you tell us a bit about your background and job role now?
I was born and raised in a small town in Lincolnshire. I worked abroad for six years as a holiday rep, before joining the prison service. It was when I started travelling where I found my love for the outdoors and being on or in water. I then joined the Legal Aid Agency, part of the wider Ministry of Justice, in April 2018 as a Training Support Officer. I am now a Business Improvement Manager and have been so for the past three years.
Can you tell us more about your love for swimming?
I have a strong passion for swimming, and it has really helped me throughout my well-being journey. Swimming is my happy place. It’s the only time I can switch my head off from everything going on around me. It gives me a sense of relief as I enter the water, dipping my shoulders and head under the cold liquid – the relief is instant.
I’ve always been a pool swimmer but a couple of years ago I (literally) dipped my toe into open water swimming, and I’ve never looked back. This was a totally new feeling. Listening to the wildlife, watching the fish swim underneath me; it’s so mesmerising. My biggest fan is my cocker spaniel Audrey. She hasn’t quite mastered the longer swims I do but does join me for my short dips.
What events have you done so far?
I have done quite a few. These include a 4km swim at Rutland Water, an ‘amphibian event’ in West Yorkshire, which involved running between each of ten 1km swimming laps (running is certainly not my forte but I got through it), and Coniston and Ullswater end to end swims in the Lake District. I am so proud of myself.
Tell us about your latest challenge?
I have a bucket list of swims I’d like to do, and one is the Everest of swims: The English Channel. I thought to myself – I’d love to do this before I’m 55. Well, the challenge has come a lot earlier than expected and I’m taking it on this July at 50. I was approached by a friend in March this year who asked if I’d like to join a relay team of amazing Yorkshire based women. Of course, I said yes! Our swim window is between 20th – 28th July, weather dependant. Fingers crossed it is kind to us.
How’s prep going?
Training for the swim has begun in earnest. I swim in the lake two to three times a week, as well as my pool swims. I must admit I’m not used to swimming outdoors without a wetsuit, so my body has been a little bit shocked as the temperatures are very low and I’m just in a cossie! But the feeling when you get out is nothing short of exhilarating and this keeps me going, as well as the promise of a lovely cuppa and cake.
Tell us about who you’re raising money for?
I’m raising money for SwimTayka. They provide free swimming lessons and drowning prevention education to underprivileged children who live alongside the earth’s water including rivers, lakes and oceans. It’s shocking that drowning claims 360,000 lives annually, many being children, so the work SwimTayka do is so important. You can donate by visiting my Just Giving page here.
You’re hosting a fundraising event on Wednesday 19th June, tell us more about that.
In the reception at 5 Wellington Place, between 10am and noon that day, I’m hosting an event a bit like ‘Win the Ads’ from Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. There will be 100 ‘boxes’ and you pay £5 to open a box with a chance to win one of 50 prizes, including food and drink vouchers for popular nearby bars and restaurants like Hoist House and Sociable Folk, and gin gift sets. There will also be a quick pick a number game. It’s £1 a square and the winner gets £15, revealed at the end of the event. If you’re around, be sure to pop in for a chance to win.
What three words sum up Wellington Place to you, and why?
Community: There’s a real community vibe around the complex.
Professional: It looks smart and elegant and has a real professional feel to it. It’s clean and modern – a neighbourhood that you’re proud to walk into.
Central: As well as being an ideal location that’s close to the city centre and transport hubs, it’s a few minutes away from a lovely canal walk too.
If you would like to tell your story, or wish to nominate someone to take part in the People of Wellington Place series please email info@wellingtonplace.co.uk
