Crisis, the national homelessness charity, is calling for hundreds of brave swimmers to take on their Icebreaker challenge and dip into the cold waters of Ponty Lido to raise money for people experiencing homelessness this winter.
The annual Icebreaker challenge will be taking place from 11am at the National Lido of Wales in Pontypridd on Saturday 27th January. Participants can either join the event solo and swim a width of the pool, or team up with friends and race in the relay. Fancy dress is welcome, but not compulsory. With registration costing £15, all money raised will go towards Crisis’ mission to end homelessness.
The event is being held as homelessness rises across Wales – with over 12,500 households forced to seek homelessness support from their councils over the last year. Crisis’ annual Icebreaker challenge is vital in helping the charity raise awareness and support for people facing homelessness.
Homelessness is hard at any time of year, but for many, the loneliness and freezing temperatures during winter can be particularly challenging. Crisis’ South Wales Skylight centre in Swansea will be offering warmth, companionship, and vital support to those experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of year.
Ashella Lewis, Director of Skylight South Wales, said:“This year, many people will experience the worst forms of homelessness, including sleeping on the streets, spending night after night on friends and families’ sofas or being stuck in B&Bs and hostels. Others will be worrying about how they’re going to pay their rent, as rising financial pressures push more and more to the brink.
“Our Skylight centre in Swansea is here all year round to support people to rebuild their lives beyond homelessness, through helping people to find their own stable home as well as access education and training. But we can only do so with the help of our fabulous fundraisers. Whether you decide to take the plunge alone or make a splash with your friends, you can help someone begin their journey out of homelessness this winter.”
Dedicated cold water swimmer Cath Pendleton, also known as “The Merthyr Mermaid,” holds a Guinness World Record as “Most southerly Ice Swim (female)” for swimming a mile inside the Antarctic Polar Circle. Cath has supported the Icebreaker challenge previously and took the plunge at the event last January.
Cath said: “The Ponty Lido may not be as freezing as the polar circle, but taking a dip in January is certainly very cold indeed. I’d encourage anyone to grasp this opportunity to test the waters and see how they feel about cold water swimming, while also raising crucial funds to ensure more people can leave homelessness behind for good.”
Aled Williams, who works at Dawsons Lettings Agency and has helped people to find a more permanent home is taking the plunge for the first time this year.
He added: “I’m not sure how I’m going to feel taking the plunge into those cold waters, but I am definitely up for the challenge! At Dawsons, we’ve seen first-hand the huge difference that having a place to call home can make and I’m keen to raise funds for Crisis to help make this a reality for more people.”
Registration is also open for people who would prefer to organise their own cold-water challenge. Crisis is encouraging people to join the Do It Yourself (DIY) challenge and take the plunge however they like, wherever they are.
