Honouring loved ones by freezing our feet

A woman from Cheltenham is taking the plunge into icy waters for the third consecutive year in a daring effort to raise funds for a hospice charity.

Nic Moorey will participate in the Sue Ryder Big Dip at Cheltenham Lido this Sunday, where participants dive into an unheated pool. Moorey, who now works for the charity, was inspired by the care her mother received at Leckhampton Court Hospice before she passed away seven years ago.

"The care during her last days was remarkable. I always felt compelled to give something back," she shared.

Moorey originally volunteered at the hospice after witnessing the exceptional support her mother received. Today, she serves as a complimentary therapist for Sue Ryder. "Its truly an honor. Having experienced it firsthand, I have a deeper understanding of what families go through," she explained.

Many see the challenge as completely mad. Last year, the water temperature was a relatively mild 11C (51F), but in the previous year, it plummeted to 4.6C (40F). Moorey described anything below 5C (41F) as essentially an ice bath. "It was freezing, the coldest Ive ever felt. Yet, after the dip, theres an incredible sense of euphoria your body heats up and its not as unbearable as it seems," she said.

The Big Dip has become a festive event, with local choirs singing carols and music filling the air. "Theres a strong sense of togetherness. Everyone participating is honoring someone theyve lost, and often loved ones make donations in their memory," Moorey added.

Author: Zoe Harrison