A BISHOPSTEIGNTON businesswoman is ‘swimmin’ on a prayer’ as she heads to the Big Apple as part of her charity challenge.

Swimmer Natalie Trice is taking her challenge to swim in 40 pools to New York where she will be combining swimming with seeing Bon Jovi in concert.

Natalie, from Bishopsteignton, will complete the first international swim in her 40 Pools for the 40 Club challenge, raising money for Hospiscare in memory of her father Derrick Pritchard.

PR company owner Natalie has set herself the challenge of swimming in 40 outdoor pools over the next year to raise funds as part of Hospiscare’s 40 Club, where members pledge to raise at least £1,000 to support the charity's work.

After completing seven swims across Devon so far, Natalie will add two iconic New York locations to the challenge while visiting the city this week.

She will swim in the rooftop pool at the TWA Hotel, overlooking the runway at JFK Airport, and the rooftop pool at Virgin Hotels New York City in Manhattan.

The challenge was inspired by the loss of Natalie's father, who died following a battle with Alzheimer's in 2024.

She plans to finish with a twilight finale at Bovey Tracey Pool in December.

A further international swim is already planned for Vancouver in September while Natalie is speaking at the Hip Hope Network Global Paediatric Hip Symposium.

Natalie said: ‘When I first came up with the idea, the plan was to keep it close to home by swimming across Devon and Cornwall, but I soon realised there was no reason the challenge couldn't travel with me.

‘Every swim is for my dad, who loved the water and taught me to swim. I'm definitely more of a head above water kind of girl than he ever was, so this isn't about swimming the fastest or the furthest.

‘It's about memories. It's about celebrating his life, keeping his memory alive and helping families receive the compassion, dignity and kindness that Hospiscare provides every day.

‘I'm heading to New York to fulfil a lifelong dream of seeing Bon Jovi live at Madison Square Garden, so it seemed only fitting to pack my swimsuit too.

‘I'll be swimming above the runway at JFK Airport before taking in the Manhattan skyline from the rooftop pool at Virgin Hotels.

‘You could say I'm Livin' on a Prayer, but every stroke will help raise money and awareness for Hospiscare, and I hope people will get behind the challenge.’

Natalie joined Hospiscare's 40 Club earlier this year, a community of local business leaders committed to raising funds for the charity while supporting one another through networking and collaboration.

Ellie Melmoth, Partnership Manager at Hospiscare, said: ‘Natalie's challenge is a wonderful example of how people can turn something deeply personal into a way of giving back.

‘Every swim raises vital funds and awareness for Hospiscare, and we're excited to follow her journey from Devon to New York and beyond.’

Natalie hopes to complete all 40 swims over the coming months, documenting her journey through outdoor pools, lidos and tidal pools across the UK and overseas.

To support Natalie's challenge, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/natalie-trice-club40swim