Embrace the thrills and chills at Rotherham’s Polar Plunge

The exhilarating plunge into the icy waters of Manvers Lake is hosted in partnership with cold water therapy experts at The Breath Connection, and takes place on Saturday 23 November from 10am. 

This year, the charity is highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits associated with cold water dipping and breath work. For some, the start of winter can bring low mood, which is why the charity is encouraging participants to sign up to the event which offers an opportunity to learn the skill of cold water dipping. Participants will learn how cold water immersion and mindfulness breath work can enhance their life. 

As well as boosting immunity, cold water dipping and breath work can improve circulation, manage pain, stress and anxiety. 

Rebecca Hickman from Rotherham took part in last years’ Polar Plunge event and said: “Taking part in the Polar Plunge was an incredible experience! I had mixed emotions about the event and was nervous to get into a lake at the end of November, but was also really looking forward to the challenge. I learned so much during the breath work and mindfulness workshop ahead of the plunge. The breath work definitely helped with actually getting into the water and coping with being in the cold water. The workshop and cold water plunge is an amazing experience and is a wonderful way to improve wellbeing! 

“There’s something so empowering about challenging yourself like that. I felt really proud of myself after completing the plunge and certainly felt revitalised. I’d absolutely recommend anyone to sign up, it’s a fun and different way to support Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity. You’ll feel amazing for it!

“For anyone who is taking part, make sure you get your shoulders under the water, make sure you have lots of layers to put on afterwards (this will warm you up quicker and keep you warm) and finally, make sure you invite your loved ones to come and cheer you on!”

The plunge is a fun way to raise funds for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity and is open to everyone including those who can’t swim well or have a disability. 

Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity said “Every plunge you take will make a real difference! It will be an unforgettable, invigorating experience and one that we hope you will share with your family, friends and colleagues. It’s something you don’t have to train for, but you will learn a new skill – the thrill of cold water dipping and how breath work can improve your wellbeing.”

The frosty fundraiser is generously sponsored by Gripple, a leading manufacturer in Rotherham, who have long been committed to supporting local community initiatives.

Natalie Rusling, Chair of the Gripple Foundation said: “We are an employee-owned business that strongly believes in giving back to, and supporting our local community and love to get involved with unusual, quirky challenges for local charities! We were inspired by the Polar Plunge as it’s something we haven’t seen before and we’re so excited to have five members of the Gripple team taking part on the day. 

“At Gripple, we’ve taken part in charity runs, hosted charity bake sales and much more, but we’ve never plunged in cold water for charity before and we can’t wait. We’re thrilled to be the event sponsor and be a part of it.”

The Polar Plunge costs £25 to take part and the charity would like participants to raise a minimum of £50. You can register online, email trft.rhcc@nhs.net or call 01709 426 821.