A Cumbrian woman has raised over £5000 for Blood Cancer UK with a cold water dip everyday in 2024.

Mandie Reay who lives in Nenthead, Cumbria has been taking a cold water dip every day in 2024 in aid of Blood Cancer UK.

Mandie’s husband Andy was diagnosed with Thrombocythaemia, blood cancer late in 2022, prognosis is good although his cancer is not curable,and he will be taking daily oral chemotherapy drugs for the rest of his life.

Thrombocythaemia is a blood cancer that was discovered in 2013.

It causes too many platelets to be produced in the blood which can lead to an increased risk of blood clots.

Research and awareness about these types of cancer is required and that’s why Mandie set herself the challenge of doing a daily cold water dip every day in 2024, 366 in total.

Family, friends and supporters gathered on the banks of the River Nent to support her on her last dip to complete the challenge on New Years Eve.

Mandie said “I can’t believe this is the final dip, I would like to thank everyone who has donated and attended my fund-raising events we have already raised over £5,000 which is way beyond the original £500 target I set myself”

It has been a busy year for Mandie and her family, but she has managed to fit in a dip every day no matter where she has been.

The dips have taken place in many venues from their home overlooking the village of Nenthead, various lakes and waterways of Cumbria and beyond even in the East River in the shadow of the Brooklyn bridge while on holiday in New York.

Dips have often included breaking the ice with a hammer before she was able to take the plunge.

Mandie added: “Although I will miss the daily dip I won’t miss breaking through ice, I will still be taking dips but only when I choose not every day”

Mandie’s just giving page can be found at justgiving