Back in the pool - and a plea for help

So my quest to finally learn to swim is progressing about as well as Arsenal's transfer bid for Luis Suarez.

There's about as much chance of Luis Suarez
 ending up at Arsenal as there is me swimming
 10 lengths of a paddling pool

I'm getting that sinking feeling - literally. It's been a few weeks since I last set foot in the pool at Wombourne - and this morning it really showed. I can barely do a width, I'm gasping for air rather than breathing calmly and I'm back to having a gallon of chlorine rather than Tropicana for Sunday morning breakfast.

I feel close to the point of saying - 'do you know what, I haven't drowned after 29 years, maybe I'll be just fine as I am'. Even the ever-patient Clive said that there's not a lot more he can teach me - it's all down to practice now. Although he did offer one pearl of wisdom about ducking my head in and out of the sink at home to practice my breathing. I would try that but the pots and pans which have been building up all week would probably be in the way.

What I really need to do is practice in the pool during the week. I just struggle to find the time - and, in fairness, the inclination. What I need is someone to drag me along to a public swim.

So - this is a genuine plea for help. If you're a swimmer, if you're patient and if you want to do your bit towards a 'care in the community' award then please get in touch.

I think I'm back in the mental block phase of this process...and I'm conscious that time is ticking closer to that big 3 0.