A Dumbarton wild swimmer has said she’s loving every day of a gruelling fundraising challenge.
Childminder Karen Wilson set herself the challenge of swimming in Loch Lomond for 100 days at the start of 2022 to raise funds for Alzheimers UK and the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat.
And despite being faced with bitterly cold temperatures, rain, hail, sleet and snow – Karen said she has relished her first experience of the loch’s wintery waters.
Karen told the Lennox: “I started wild swimming about a year ago in Loch Lomond.
“I’d never swam through a winter before, I thought it would be really tricky, especially as I don’t wear a wetsuit.
“I decided to do it for charity because that would keep me going when things get tough. That would make me go out and do it.
“It’s been great though. It’s been a real experience. It is a bit chilly, you get a bit of a sting sometimes. But it is a good feeling. It makes you feel alive.
“We swim at 7am every morning, a lot has been done in the dark. It’s definitely an experience, but it’s something I’d recommend to everyone to at least try.
“Everyone I’ve recommended it to has kept at it. They’ve not stopped.
“I thought it would be really tricky, but you acclimatise to the water. You’ve got an amazing view, you’ve got wildlife. That makes it a lot easier.
“It takes you approximately six swims to start to feel acclimatised to it. It’s quite amazing how quickly your body adjusts to it.”
The decision to raise funds for Alzheimers UK was one that was close to Karen’s heart.
She explained: “Alzheimer’s runs in my family. Quite a few members of my family have sadly passed away from it, so it’s obviously genetic.
“It would be nice to give a wee bit of money to them, because they might need to help me in the future. Cold water swimming is also very good for your brain, it comes with all sorts of benefits. One of those is that it can help with Alzheimer’s.
“Over lockdown I decided I would start doing this. And I’ve not stopped.
“Loch Lomond Rescue Boat is the other charity after the six deaths last year. I thought it would be nice to give something back to them for their incredible work.”
And with her £800 target almost met, Karen admits that the support has been humbling.
She added: “I’m really grateful for all the support I’ve had. All the donations.
“I set an £800 target and we’re just under £700, so we’re getting there.
“They are two fabulous charities and everyone has supported me. We’ve been swimming in blizzards, gale force winds, big waves, snow. Everything you could think of. The words of encouragement from everyone who has donated have meant a lot.”
To find out more, and donate to Karen’s appeal, visit Gofundme.com/f/100-day-winter-challenge-for-charity.
