I’m going to try to swim 30km in open water between now and 31 March 2021.

On 1 November I joined the Walrus Winter Swimming Challenge. It’s a 5 month challenge with over 200 winter swimmers. In my case this means swimming in the sea most days at the historic Forty Foot, close to my home in Dublin. No wetsuits, just swimming trunks, a hat, goggles and a safety buoy. The sea temperature today was 8 degrees Celsius (46F) and air temperature 3C and it gets colder in February. I’m hooked.

The physical challenge and the good company of my fellow walruses have helped me to stay connected and to maintain my focus during the repeated lockdowns. However, I know that others are suffering: many are isolated and vulnerable, and others are sick. Calls to ISPCC Childline are hitting record highs.