Fearless breast cancer survivors' icy plunge raises funds for charity

The group of ladies have all been supported by Lingen Davies Cancer Fund’s wild swimming sessions, which have been running for breast cancer patients at Alderford Lake in Whitchurch. They were joined for the New Year challenge by cancer services staff.

The wild swimming group was inspired by Breast Cancer nurse Nikki Stephenson along with Breast Care Navigators Karen Kearns and Eleri Bramwell. It is just one of the holistic therapy projects funded and delivered by Lingen Davies last year to support the recovery of patients in Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales. 

The ‘Titty-Dippers’ decided to fundraise for the charity to say thanks for the support given to the wild swimmers which grew out of the Telford Breast Friends Support group. They travelled to North Wales on New Year’s Day and joined hundreds of others in the annual icy plunge into the Irish Sea.

Karen Kearns, Breast Care Navigator based at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, said the group wanted to ‘quite simply give something back’.

She said: “Many of the ladies said that thanks to these programmes they have found they are capable of doing things they never thought possible and are extremely grateful for the support and encouragement to help them step out of their comfort zones.  

“To be able to swim and feel that empowerment with a group of people who understand the journey is amazing and so beneficial.  Everyone wants to say a big thank you – in a cold and crazy way!

“It was absolutely amazing, such a buzz, I am so unbelievably proud of what these women have achieved! Can't wait to get back in the water with them."

The group’s Just Giving total is still open for donations and currently sits at £1,775.

The challenge was also given a £100 boost from JSL Water Systems, the employer of Karren Summers one of the open water swimmers.

Donations can be given here karenkearns82 Kearns is fundraising for Lingen Davies Cancer Fund