“Six years ago, I took up stand-up paddleboarding, but soon realised I loved falling and jumping in the water just as much as being on the water. There weren’t many organised open water groups back then, but when we moved to Lincolnshire, I vowed to swim several times a week in the sea, lakes, and the River Nene.

I’d known about the cold-water athlete, ‘The iceman’ Wim Hof, for a few years, but in March 2019 I took the Wim Hof Fundamentals training course to give me the confidence to swim in cold temperatures. The course ensured I overcame any fear of the cold while remaining respectful of its force.

As a qualified meditation teacher and owner of The well-Being Alchemist, I depend on wild swimming for my wellbeing just as much as meditation. At one point in lockdown, I couldn’t swim for a month and I felt nowhere near as good in myself.

It connects my mind and body and is a totally immersive experience, which leaves me feeling a genuine high for the rest of my day.

Wild swimming is great for wellbeing, but it’s also about camaraderie and cake! There’s always cake and a hot drink after a dip and I love my swimming buddies and the sense of community built on the shared exhilaration of being in the water.”