Urban Mermaid UK Tour

When I cycled around Britain last year, connecting with wild swimmers, for some reason I took my mermaid tail, strapped to my back, ‘just in case’ I may need it. I never put it on to swim with, but I did wear it many times. Everyone I stayed with were strangers. I only knew them through social media, as that was how my entire journey was planned. So for them to make their kids feel more comfortable about a stranger coming to stay they instead told them ‘we have a mermaid coming to stay.’ On one occasion, in Barry Island, a five-year old Gethin answered the door.

“Muuuuuuum. The MERMAID’s here. The MERMAID’s here.” He screamed excitedly. He grabbed my hand and proceeded to give me a tour of his home. The kitchen, the lounge, the playroom, his brother’s room, his parent’s room, his room and then the bathroom. “This is the bath.'“ He said tilting his head and looking at me almost wondering whether that’s when I turn into a mermaid. His mum then ran in, '“Gethin, leave poor Lindsey alone. Come on, it’s bed time.” I followed Gethin into his room, where he pulled me down to his level and whispered, “Can you read me a story…..in your tail.”

In West Cork, I stayed in the bed that the kids’ grandparents normally slept in. When they stay little four-year old Sophie wakes them up by tickling their toes. She seemed a little confused when I stayed, as I woke up to her stood beside my bed just staring at me. “Morning Sophie,” I croaked, but she didn’t respond. She then look towards the end of my bed, where my feet were, or perhaps she thought it might have been a tail!

I’ve been writing a children’s book about that time The Mermaid Saved the Cow, and to get inspired with writing it I’ve been reading to kids in Bristol, whilst obviously wearing my tail. I love how much joy and innocence children have and it really helps with my writing. So, I’ve now decided that I’m going to take the Urban Mermaid on a UK tour.

Would you and your nippers like to meet a mermaid, sit round a fire and listen to me read you my story about saving a cow and then help clean your beach as I swim across your local bay or river? If so then get in touch and let me know where you live. Let's all do our bit to #savethemermaids and other life in our waters.