TWO friends from Far Forest are challenging themselves to complete twelve outdoor cold-water swims in aid of a homelessness charity.

Sally Watkins, who works in older adult mental health services, and Sandra Woodhouse, who works in a manufacturing company, decided to raise money for Crisis as part of its Icebreaker fundraiser because they wanted to challenge themselves after discovering a newfound love of cold-water swimming.

Sandra and Sally have been friends for years, after meeting while they were in primary school. Although Sally moved away for work several years ago, the pair rekindled their friendship when she moved back to Wyre Forest.

The friends have been carrying out the swims together at Droitwich Lido since before Christmas and will continue until the end of this month.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The swimmers are challenging themselves in aid of a noble causeThe swimmers are challenging themselves in aid of a noble cause (Image: Crisis)

Sally said: “We usually donate to Crisis every year at Christmas, which helps them provide people experiencing homelessness with a Christmas meal, warmth and comfort over the festive period. "However, this year we wanted to challenge ourselves while raising money. Knowing we are contributing to such a good cause is wonderful, and while we may feel cold after the swims, knowing we can help someone keep warm this winter warms our hearts.

Money raised by Sally and Sandra will help Crisis provide services and support to people experiencing homelessness in Great Britain. This includes helping people find and apply for work, find a home, and get ongoing health and well-being support. People can support Sally and Sandra by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sally-Watkins2022.

Helen Radia, Interim Fundraising Director for Crisis said: “We are so grateful to Sally and Sandra for their extraordinary efforts to raise money for us. They are showing real bravery taking on these freezing swims for us.

“Their efforts will help us be there for everyone who needs us especially as more and more households are pushed into poverty and at risk of homelessness as the cost of living crisis bites.. So, we want to say a huge thank you to them for taking part in our Icebreaker challenge.”