Open water swimming project pilot to help those impacted by breast cancer
Lingen Davies has been piloting an open water swimming project to help men and women with their wellbeing following a breast cancer diagnosis in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Mid Wales.
Earlier this year, Nicky O’Sullivan, a Breast Cancer Nurse Specialist at Telford Princess Royal Hospital, contacted us to see how we could work together on a new project to support those who have been through treatment.
Those who have had treatment for breast cancer may undergo mastectomies or other surgeries, which can leave them self-conscious of undertaking activities such as swimming.
Benefits of cold-water swimming in nature
Nicky is part of the Shropshire Bluetits wild swimming group and was aware of the benefits of cold-water swimming in nature. Emma Backhouse, our Chief Operating Officer, met Nicky in the water for a swim to trial the experience and have a chat, and she was hooked!
Emma and Nicky then discussed the project with staff at Alderford Lake to see how it could be bought to life.
Karen Kearns, a Breast Cancer Navigator who runs Telford Breast Friends support group for people with breast cancer in the Telford area (a project also initially funded by Lingen Davies) also joined the project to provide support to the swimmers, and has been instrumental in spreading the word about the sessions.
Welcoming people of all ages
The group first met in June with two participants and now it has grown to a group of 10 regular swimmers. It meets once a month on a Sunday and at the moment includes women of all ages from around 40-70, although men who have been through breast cancer treatment are very welcome too.
Some of the participants gave us their feedback on taking part in the project:
“The camaraderie was fantastic. There is something about sharing an experience with people who have all been through the same/similar situation, there is a bond somehow.
“The swimming was a fantastic experience, but it was more than just that. I really enjoyed it and it boosted my mood and confidence.”
“I wanted to do something that pushed me out of my comfort zone. This was a great session to do it in – a super supportive friendly environment with tips and encouragement all the way along.
“Also to have coffee and cake and a chat afterwards with people in a similar position/ been through same treatment is a great thing.”
An incredible experience getting together
Emma said: “The group is open to those post treatment as a wellbeing exercise. It has been an incredible experience getting together, swimming in nature, enjoying the many benefits and then chatting together over a hot drink and a cake in the café. We are very grateful to Alderford Lake for offering the sessions at a discounted rate for us.
“We will now be reviewing the impact of the project and how it may possibly be delivered as part of a wider package of wellbeing programmes in 2025.
“I am also delighted that our participants have enjoyed taking part so much that they are now planning a fundraising sea swim on new year’s day, as a way of giving back to the charity, which is fabulous.”
