Wild Wastwater Women & Co started with two middle aged women, swimming in England‘s deepest lake 2 years ago to combat their own physical health challenges. The group has now grown to include 18 local swimmers, mostly women but also two men (hence the co!) who swim several times a week. Over those two years we have watched many rescues unfold in the mountains above, whilst we swim in the lake and we are in awe of the people who dedicate their lives to save others. This winter we have joined the Polar Bear and Penguin Challenge (polarbearchallenges.com) to raise money for Wasdale Mountain Rescue, The Great North Air Ambulance and Gosforth & District Community First Responders who support us all in this beautiful remote place. There are Polar Bears and Penguins all over the UK and internationally joining together to raise money for worthy causes, this is our contribution to those that serve our local valleys and villages. Each swimmer has chosen their own personal challenge level according to their ability and acclimatisation to the cold ranging from 500m per month to 3000m per month. Polar Bears wear only a swimsuit, vinyl cap and goggles in accordance with International I eswimming Association regulations. Penguins can wear anything from boots, gloves and bobble hat to wetsuits. The Penguins are going to swim at least 17,000 meters per month collectivly and the two Polar Bears are going to swim a minimum of 6,000 meters per month, from the 1st of November to the 31st of Match. Three of the swimmers are undertaking Penguin Ninja level which includes 10 challenge swims each, with two swims at temperatures from 9 degrees to 5 degrees 2km & 1.5km at 9 degrees. 1.75km & 1.25km at 8 degrees. 1.5km & 1km at 7 degrees. 1.25km and 750m at 6 degrees. 1km & 450m at 5 degrees. We will keep everyone updated with pictures and stories throughout the challenge, including what the Herdy’s are up to as we progress through the winter months in Wasdale. We would urge anyone who wants to support us to donate equally to each of the three causes as they all rely on charitable donations to continue to deliver their vital services. We are aiming to raise £200 for each of the charities, First responders is not yet on Just Giving, until this is rectified please give to one of the team members who can add it when their link becomes live Thank you fom Salli, Zoe, Kirsty, Kerry, Steph, Gillian, Penny, Georgina, Sarah, Alison, Loretta & David 💙