SOPHIE & SAM SWIM FOR SKATEPARK ...

Sophie: I am a volunteer Director of Saltburn Skatepark CIC. For the past 18 months, we have been working tirelessly on the many and varied elements required to build a skatepark in the town - from design and obtaining planning permission to fundraising and selling merchandise.

We have secured £160,000 from various funding streams including The Woodsmith Foundation, The Big Lottery and Redcar & Cleveland Council. However, our third funder came back with a substantially reduced offer, which has thrown the whole schedule into uncertainty.

Work is due to commence in mid November but we now need to find 25K to start construction

Last month, my Mum died suddenly. The demands of having to pack up a life hundreds of miles away has meant that I've had to step back from my role on the committee. A difficult decision at such a pivotal time. I can however do something, both for this project I care so passionately about and my own mental health at such an unsettling time: a daily dip in cold water (10-12°C) for the month leading up to the scheduled build date.

Please sponsor us to get the build started!

Sam: I rediscovered my love for skateboarding during the pandemic. Learning to skateboard again was like being reunited with a dear old friend. After gingerly stepping back onboard (with the aid of a crutch!), I gradually gained more confidence and over riding happiness.

Skateboarding is now an integral part of my daily routine and sits beautifully alongside my other passion, surfing. There's something so relaxing about it. Losing yourself to the passing tarmac. Learning new skills and the thrill when you can finally carve that hill which seemed impossible before. I find it particularly therapeutic when life's challenges come a knocking. Another unexpected bonus was that our lads have also rediscovered skateboarding after seeing how much fun their Mum was having.

I was so excited when I heard about the possibility of having our own skatepark in Saltburn. I'd be able to level up my skills and maybe even one day be able to ride a bowl!

I've seen how hard the Committee have been working to make the park happen and I'd like to play a small part in raising the money needed. Dipping in the sea everyday with Sophie will hopefully bring the reality of the park a little bit closer.

We are challenging ourselves to swim in cold water everyday for 30 days. Please support us!

And if you want to go further, check out our merch - one of our beanies will keep you toastie this autumn - 100% of our profits will go into the skatepark: Shop Saltburn Skatepark Merch

To find out more about the skatepark visit: Saltburn Skatepark or follow us: @saltburnskatepark