A WOMAN from Lower Bourne has raised more than £1,000 for charity after going cold water swimming throughout November.

Nicola Martin (36), who is a full-time carer at Grace House Residential Care Home in Lower Bourne, had to go cold water swimming on every day of the month, no matter the weather.

The charity challenge raised funds for Cancer Research UK, which is a cause close to Nicola’s heart.

She said: "I’ve had cancer three times and wanted to raise money as a thank you for all the support I had.

"I saw the cold water swimming challenge on Facebook in October and decided to sign up.

"I did most of my swims at Frensham Ponds and the Elstead Moat Pond, although I also did a couple in the sea at Cornwall.

"There were a lot of benefits from the swimming. I found it liberating. I went at any time in the day.

"I had a lot of goodwill and support from my family and friends throughout the month.

"Some of my friends joined me for some of the swims."

Nicola’s cold water swimming challenge has so far raised £1,425 for Cancer Research UK, although the online JustGiving page is still accepting donations.

Anyone who would like to donate to Nicola’s fundraiser should visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/nicolas-cold-water-challenge-giving-page-10