Laois woman braves icy waters for charity

WHILE most people shivered under fleecy layers during the big freeze, an intrepid Laois woman leapt into icy waters for charity.

Anne Kearns Gormley from Mountmellick plunged into a bone-chilling sea during sub-zero temperatures on Monday, in a bid to raise funds for Women’s Aid.

She has already raised more than €900, far above her €150 target when she signed up for the event during a gloriously mild December.

On one of the coldest days of the new year, Anne joined hundreds of brave souls at the famous 40 Foot in Sandycove, Dublin, as the Cold Swim For Women on Nollaig na mBan raised vital funds for a charity that helps women suffering domestic abuse.

Despite freezing conditions, Anne said it was a great experience and she is thrilled to have raised €911 so far, with donations still flooding in. Donations can still be made to her online idonate fundraising page at 'Cold Swim for Women: Anne Kearns Gormley'.

More than 3,000 indomitable women took the plunge nationwide, with cold swims held across the country from Dublin to Kerry, Donegal and everywhere in between.

When she registered for the swim, Anne explained on her page: ‘Across Ireland one in four women live with suffocating abuse from someone they once loved; someone they once trusted. Every five minutes, someone reaches out to Women’s Aid for information and support.

‘Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate a lot or a little, anything helps. I hope you can support me by donating whatever you can. By supporting Women’s Aid you can change lives and save lives.

‘Thanks so much for your support, it will bring hope, healing and the possibility of a brighter future for women and children.’