Tess and I decided to challenge ourselves by taking part in the POLAR PLUNGE for The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity's Dementia Appeal for two, maybe three reasons:

1. We wanted to support a local charity linking in with our Thorpe Hesley project in the area.

2. Jess' grandma has dementia so she is very pleased to know that we are doing something crazy to raise awareness and funds for supporting people who are affected by dementia. Grandma Irene as she is known to me is a formidable lady who will be seeing these photos of course and will no doubt be having a good giggle afterwards at just how crazy her granddaughter and friend are!!

3. We are bonkers....

With this in mind, on the 22nd November, we will be plunging ourselves (literally) into Manvers Lake, Wath-Upon-Dearne, Rotherham to raise money for such an important cause that is both close to our hearts and close to our community! Thank-you for your support.

Background: Dementia affects more than just memory—it affects families, relationships, and independence. At The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, we see first hand the challenges that dementia patients and their loved ones face every day. That's why we’ve launched our Dementia Appeal—to enhance the care and support we provide to some of our most vulnerable and elderly patients.

Every pound you donate will make a real, lasting difference. Together, we can make sure that patients living with dementia receive the respect, dignity, and care they deserve during their time with us. No matter the size of your donation, you will be helping us transform the experience of dementia care at Rotherham Hospital.