This page shows what happens when two women who should know better, hit a joint mid-life crisis and find themselves in very deep, very cold water!

 

Yes, I blame Nadine (Nadine blames me) but together we decided to venture beyond the sane reaches of idyllic summer months wild swimming in Hampstead ponds [Water temp: 22 degrees] to autumn eccentricity and total winter madness. Somewhere around October half term [Water temp; 8 degrees] the phrase ‘through the winter’ was used. The (wetsuit) glove was thrown down, the challenge set.

But there’s carrot and stick for us game old birds. If we really were to be found swimming outside in December [Water temp; 3.5 degrees] we had to make it matter. The international charity, WaterAid was an easy choice. We could use our cold water swims to remind ourselves and others of the nightmare of being without it. We swim in  Hampstead women's pond and take its beauty and the abundance of water for granted. It contrasts sharply with the plight of those WaterAid supports. Many children across the world are reduced to drinking filthy river water, teeming with parasites and bacteria.  WaterAid helps communities by building taps, pumps and wells in place so that people have access to safe, clean drinking water. It's basic, it's simple and it's absolutely vital. 

We've made it through a mild December, but January, February and 0- degree-dips beckon. It will be worth it though if we can bring clean water to just one more community. As you can see a little bit can go a long way:

£10 = tools to maintain a village water pump

£25 = tools to build a well

£50 = training for a village pump mechanic

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please take the plunge (like us!) and donate now.