I am one of the 1 in 5.

Deep breath - here’s my story.

Back in 2017, I was sexually assaulted on a bus and when I reported it to the police, it triggered PTSD from being drug-raped 16 years before that, in my first year of university. I hadn't spoken a word about the rape to anyone and had no idea just how much damage it had done to me, physically and emotionally. I decided to report this as well and so began a gigantic chapter for me. At the same time as experiencing crippling flashbacks, PTSD nightmares ten times a night or panic attacks on tubes, there was also a repeat intruder in my building. I ended up catching him (I actually ran down the road after the 3rd incident and leapt on him outside the police station). So, I had to deal with 3 hideous police cases all chugging along simultaneously. There were a bunch of hideous court dates. It was brutal. It was exhausting. It was too much. I have never felt less like myself. PTSD and trauma are incredibly lonely. There were times when I really didn't think I would survive. If it wasn't for Victim Support and Rape Crisis and some truly exceptional friends, I wouldn't have survived.

Until pretty recently I've struggled with not feeling in my body or liking it due to all the trauma. One of the things that has helped me get to know and love my body again and push the shame and disgust I felt away is...wild swimming! It has been a game-changer for me.

I don't normally get in the sea after October and if I do an ice-bath, it's after a sauna when I'm toasty warm SO...I thought I'd challenge myself, this cosy season, to GET ICY. I'll be doing The 12 Days of Cold Plunge!!! The 12 Days of Christmas are actually 25th Dec-5th Jan - so that's when I'll be doing this! In the sea, in the reservoir, in ice baths. Brrrrr. It's going to be SO cold.

I did a big challenge in 2018 (I hiked for 24hrs non stop through the day and night on the Isle of Arran) whilst going through all the above and raised £2100 and it felt like it was time to go again!

Please reward this bonkers decision of mine from the warmth of your festive sofas and help me raise money for Rape Crisis, so they can keep up the essential work they do.

PS JOIN ME FOR A PLUNGE, IF YOU LIKE!