A group of nine members of staff from Havens Hospices, dubbed ‘The Freezing Cold Fundraisers’, will be challenging themselves to take on 12 dips in the cold Southend sea throughout December to raise vital funds for the charity they work for.
So far, the fundraisers have completed three dips this month, raising more than £2,275. The amount of they spend in the water is decided by the temperature of the sea on the day. The temperature is around 8°C this time of year.
For one of ‘The Freezing Cold Fundraisers’, this isn’t their first fundraising challenge. Janet Taylor-Fane, who works at Fair Havens trekked the largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara, in March earlier this year. She said, “I never imagined I would be dipping in the winter sea in December – especially as I really hate the cold but I always want to do my bit to help the charity as I see first-hand how important hospice care is and how it can make such a difference to families who are going through the toughest time in their lives. That’s what motivates me, even in these freezing conditions.
“So far, I have completed five of the 12 dips, and it has been incredibly challenging. I have gone from one extreme to another, from trekking the hot Sahara Desert in March to now submerging myself in the icy Thames River, sometimes in the dark and rain. What also pushes me to keep going is the positivity and encouragement from my colleagues and the heartwarming support from everyone – that’s the only thing that is warm!”
All of the funds raised will go towards Havens Hospices’ Big Christmas ‘YES!’ Appeal which is hoping to raise more than £223,000 this festive season to help fund its specialist care and support over the month of December.
Havens Hospices, which includes Fair Havens in Southend and Little Havens in Thundersley cares for local people of all ages living with incurable conditions, helping them to make the most of life and make every day count.
To support ‘The Freezing Cold Fundraisers’ with a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/freezing-cold-fundraisers
If you would like to support The Big Christmas, “Yes!” Appeal, visit https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/christmas/
Published 17th December 2024
