Open Water Swimming has been a god send for me. I started April
2019 and as the summer moved on I had decided to keep going right through the winter. The effect it had had on my mood was clear and even just a 10 minute dip could clear away the worries. Thanks to a silly accident (falling arse over tit while taking part in a colour run and badly spraining my ankle) I was kept out of water till well into winter so did not have a chance to acclimatize to the dropping temperature. A quick dip New Years Day at Walpole bay certainly proved it – 7 degrees and I came out looking like a red lobster. At the same time I could track my mood dropping over the winter period.

Thanks to a mad friend…… I’ve signed up to the Polar Bear
Challenge for this winter. A goal gives me something to work towards and keeps me focused rather than finding excuses not to get out and about and swim.

Between 01/11/2020 and 31/03/2021 I will be swimming at
least 5000 metres in open water (or 3 miles as JustGiving is not happy about metres) in just my jammers and goggles – no neoprene, wetsuit, gloves, socks – anything that might help to keep me warm.

To keep me accountable, I’ve decided to raise money for the Brainstrust
– a UK based charity helping people diagnosed with brain tumours.

Any money you can put in the pot will help them carry on the
amazing work they do. If you also fancy joining me for a swim you are always more than welcome 