A WILD swimming enthusiast took the plunge in support of the hospice which cared for her friend.
Amy Brown braved icy, open waters over 21 days to raise money for Manorlands.
And her challenge coined-in over £2,000 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.
The 50-year-old hypnotherapist was inspired to complete the feat in honour of friend Dawn Barrett.
“I met Dawn through a wild swimming group and we bonded over our love of the water,” says Amy.
“She was an amazingly adventurous person, and loved everything from climbing to skiing and kayaking.
“Dawn told me her cancer had spread in November last year and from that point she declined quite quickly, spending her final days being cared for by the team at Manorlands. I used to work at the hospice so know first-hand how exceptional the care and support is, and also how vital every penny raised can be.
“I had already previously decided to come up with a personal challenge of braving a swim for as many days as possible in December, so when Dawn moved into the hospice I was inspired do the challenge for her, and to raise money for Sue Ryder.
“The challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone – one of the mornings the air temperature was minus seven degrees! My husband, Stewart, and our golden retriever Lottie came and supported me on those harder mornings, and knowing I was doing it for Dawn spurred me on. It became quite addictive. I swam with several other friends too who also had the pleasure of knowing Dawn. I couldn’t have done it without my friends and family.
“I feel great that I’ve managed to turn a personal challenge into a fundraiser, especially for such a fantastic cause. It’s also helped me in processing my grief for Dawn.”
In addition to Amy’s challenge, friends and family of Dawn came together to celebrate her life and raised more than £4,000 for Manorlands.
Dawn’s mum, Liz, says: “After Dawn died, we wanted to give something back for all the good work Sue Ryder teams do at the hospice. We were with Dawn right until the end and the care and support was incredible.”
Adam Brunskill, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands, says: “From all of us at the hospice, we want to say ‘thank you’ to Dawn’s friends and family for supporting us and raising such a fantastic amount.”