Woman from Hornchurch doing ‘Chilly Challenge’ to raise money for SFH

Lucy Edwards has set up the paddling pool in her garden 

A woman from Hornchurch will be dipping in an ice-cold paddling pool twice a month to raise money for Saint Francis Hospice.

Lucy Edwards has had to adapt the initial ‘Polar Bear Challenge’ of swimming 200 metres in open water twice a month, between November and March, because of the pandemic.

To raise money, Lucy is asking for donations to her ‘Chilly Challenge’ pool dip via her Just Giving page.

Money raised will go to the Romford based charity, Saint Francis Hospice; a charity who care for those with life-limiting illnesses.

Lucy said: “I initially felt like I was letting down my supporters and people that have sponsored me but I think everyone understands I’ve had to adapt the challenge to work round the lockdown rules that we’re currently under.

“It’s actually worse in a way because sitting in a cold paddling pool, you’re not actually moving like you would be with swimming so you’re not generating any heat.”

“Saint Francis Hospice have been amazing at supporting me.

Lucy continued: “Saint Francis Hospice have always been a charity close to my heart.

“They looked after my nan which was years ago now but I still remember how well they looked after her and the environment in the hospice.”

The Marketing Executive has been competing in triathlons for the past seven years.

She was due to represent Great Britain at the European Age Group Championships in Austria until Covid forced the event to be put on hold.

Lucy loves open water swimming in both the sea and lakes.

“It’s enjoyable as crazy as that sounds! Getting into the water can be quite painful, it’s like pins and needles all over the body so it’s quite a shock to the system.

“Once you get going and get moving it’s actually a really exhilarating feeling, it really wakes you up and makes you feel alive, and then once you get out, that feeling stays with you all day.

“You do feel very invigorated. It’s good fun especially when your doing it with friends altogether.”

To sponsor Lucy on her ‘Chilly Challenge’ pool dip, visit her Just Giving Page.

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