Tenby’s Mayor took to the seaside town’s chilly sea on St David’s Day to start her month long ‘cold water challenge’ to raise money for Cancer Research UK, and in support of a close friend.
On a blustery afternoon Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall put on her bathers to head for a dip on North Beach, something she regularly does, but throughout the month of March will be doing so for a worthy cause.
Close friend of the family Stuart Fecci was diagnosed with cancer before the turn of 2023, and has been travelling up to the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff for his chemotherapy treatment.
‘Stu’ of Tenby recently thanked his family and friends for their help and support on his ‘cancer journey’ admitting it would be a ‘much, much harder road’ without them during this ‘intensely’ difficult time.
“We are aware of how very tough things are going to get, but we are strong, and with your support we will continue to be,” he remarked.
“Most of my friends know I love my wild water swimming, so this challenge is something I know I cannot turn down,” said Tenby’s Mayor, Sam.
“Wild water swimming is something I always wanted to do and after being invited by friends to join in last year, it is something I have continued to do all year round since, off North beach.
“The health and wellbeing benefits are huge. Why wouldn't you!” she continued.
“My sister encouraged my to take part in this as cancer is close to our hearts, so I decided to immerse myself in cold water every day in March to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.
“Personally I have lost close family members to cancer and have a family member who has been battling breast cancer at quite a young age and now a close friend who has their own battle,” explained Sam, stating that she sadly lost her grandad, two of her uncles and close ‘friends far too soon’ to the disease.
“I’ve noticed a lot more diagnoses since Covid, with people unfortunately having appointments and treatment delayed,” she continued.
“Cancer doesn't care who it effects. But its so important to help and support all those and their families who have suffered and those who still it is effecting.
“Life is precious and so are our loved ones. I love you Stu.”
A link to Sam’s fundraising page can be found here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/sams-cold-water-challenge-giving-page-16
“Please give what you can. I appreciate times are very hard at the moment but anything will be appreciated. so please show your support and help fund life-saving research by donating to my page,” she added.
