Bridgnorth sisters raise thousands with winter wild swims

National Trust curator Hannah Squire was joined by her sister Beth, a lifestyle and adventure photographer, in diving through the piercingly cold water at a lake and reservoir on 12 consecutive December days.

The pair from Worfield, near Bridgnorth, may be used to the great outdoors, but not even training in the pools of Snowdonia could prepare them for nearly two weeks of the county's coldest waters.

Supporting Bridgnorth Food Bank, St Peter's Church in Worfield and Rethink Mental Illness, the sisters raised more than £2,000 with their charitable initiative they labelled the 12 Swims of Christmas.

Thrill seeker Hannah, 30, had taken to wild swimming months before the fundraising idea arose, at which point Beth decided to push her own boundaries for a good cause.

Together, they dived into Simpsons' Pool in Horsehay, Telford, and the reservoir at Carding Mill Valley in Church Stretton from December 1 to December 12.

Beth, 26, said: "It was absolutely freezing. It was very, very cold.

"Hannah had done quite a bit of wild swimming a few months before so she was more used to it than me.

"She thought of doing it all throughout December but a few friends suggested that 12 swims would be more manageable – I'm really glad they did!"

The duo travelled to Snowdonia and took a dip in the mountainous region's pools in the build up to their event, and also took to their local river in Worfield where passers-by watched on in awe.

"I think it helped that a lot of people realised we were crazy," Beth said.

"We were uploading to social media everyday and people could see our reactions which helped with raising funds.

"The drive home was very cold after. I think Hannah had built up a resistance to it but it took me about 10 minutes to dive in each time."

Beth added: "I'm definitely going to carry it on – it's a great way to start the day."

To support the sisters on their 12 Swims of Christmas, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/12swimsofchristmas