“I am a Gran on a mission,” she proclaimed ahead of the event, which is one of the 10 biggest New Year’s Day swims held across the UK every year. And it appears that while the swim was bracing, to say the least, the warmth of her sponsors has more than made up for it.
However, the day didn’t quite go without any hitches. “Saundersfoot had had a bit of snow and the roads were slippery. I had planned to do it dressed in a Santa costume but it received some damage,” she says.
“So I joined the others in a wetsuit. We did aerobics to Radio Pembroke on the beach and after the countdown and fireworks ran down the beach to the sea.”
However, the protective layers of the wetsuit did little to keep out the conditions: “I have never been so cold!,” she adds.
“The icy water takes your breath away as soon as it hits. Once I'd got over the shock it was time to come out again. Once again the cold hit me as I tried to run back up the beach.”
With her organisers’ medal proudly round her neck, Fiona’s main aim now is to encourage people to make a donation to the Fund.
Over £300 has been raised already for her swim, but she wants to raise even more:
“Now I'm asking for money as every penny really counts.
“I'd like to thank everyone who’s sponsored me so far. It’s been great; please keep it up.”
And if you want to add your support to Fiona’s fundraising, it’s easy to do so. Head over to her JustGiving page and get involved.
And after the success of her swim, Fiona’s already thinking of more things to do: “The swim was scary and great. It just leaves me wondering what I'm going to do next!”
Watch a video of the 2010 swim here:
