I live in Dedham; a picturesque village near Colchester Essex.

I am a Sister at Colchester Hospital on a busy Surgical Unit. I started my nurse training at the age of 40 and qualified at 43. I was fortunate enough to be seconded to do my training and I am very proud and grateful to the NHS. Last September I completed my 20 years service and have seen many changes over the years.

During the Covid19 pandemic I was re-deployed to work on the front line which was very physically and emotionally challenging.

Unfortunately 16 months ago I went through a marriage separation and rented a property at the Mill. I found it very tough even though it was my decision. I felt scared, vulnerable and incredibly lonely. I missed my husband ,my dog  and all the familiar surroundings that I had been used to. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and cry, and when I walked into the property after work I would physically shake and feel sick. The anxiety attacks were overwhelming.  I was also on anti-depressants that I was not coping very well with.

Fortunately my work friends were very supportive to me and I am very grateful to them.

One morning I was driving through Dedham where I saw a group of people by the river in swimming costumes, I took a deep breath, pulled up beside them and asked if they were a group. They said they were. I asked if I could join them and to my delight they welcomed me and I arranged to join them the following Sunday. From that day everything changed. They became like a second family. They became my friends and support network and have been there for me through my covid journey.

I have not been able to see my family for over a year due to covid restrictions which has been very tough for me, as for all people on the front line. I found very challenging and walking into an empty house after a difficult shift and not being able to off load or have a hug was tough.

My first swim was in February, it was cold and Frosty. I Followed the guide lines explained to me by the group and had my first swim and from that moment I was hooked! It was such an amazing experience. I felt so calm and peaceful and spiritually uplifted. These were feelings I had not felt for a long time and it made me feel very emotional. From then on I became a regular member of the group and was having fun and enjoying the new found friends. My confidence was building and I could feel myself transforming and coping with my new life. I was less anxious, I was functioning better and coping better with my new life. I had now stopped the antidepressants and my attitude and confidence is much more positive. I am also having regular meetings with a life coach that I found very beneficial.

When lock down came I was fortunate enough to be able to use the river swimming and my friends as a coping mechanism, and sometimes would support new swimmers who also wanted to experience the benefits of cold water swimming.

I am so proud and honoured to have been chosen to be part of this experience and hope that my blog will inspire people from whatever walk of life or situation they are in to try cold water swimming and enjoy the benefits.