A group of cold water enthusiasts are using their love of wild swimming to compile a charity calendar in support of their friend who is being treated for breast cancer.

When Claire Walker (pictured above), founder of the Lakeland Wild Swimmers, was diagnosed with cancer, the members of the group decided to create a calendar featuring them enjoying a dip in some of their favourite open water swimming spots and donate the proceeds to CancerCare.

Claire, who is from Staveley, is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Westmorland General Hospital after discovering she had an aggressive form of breast cancer in March.

Claire has been an avid wild swimmer for a number of years after discovering the benefits of cold water swimming, in terms of both physical and mental well-being. She is also the host for the Mental Health Swims organisation which meet at Windermere.

“Cold water swimming can have a number of benefits including boosting the immune system and helping with conditions like high blood pressure and inflammation. We have members who have also said it has helped with their depression and pain relief. Despite my treatment I am still hoping to be able to go in up to my waist!” said Claire.

Claire set up the group Lakes Swimming Ladies in 2019 and it recently changed its name to Lakeland Wild Swimmers as there are now a number of men in the group. The group has around 60 members, aged from 27 to 80 years, who meet regularly for swims in lakes and rivers across Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Lancashire.

They have already begun shooting the photos for the calendar, using local photographers Louise Thompson and James Kirby, and they are hoping to have it completed in time to go on sale at Christmas.

“We have had such fantastic support for the calendar from across the group and beyond. We took our first photos at Devil’s Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale a few weeks ago and I am hoping one of the shoots will be at my favourite spots, Janet’s Foss at Malham.

“We just want to raise as much money as possible for this incredible local charity which does such good work providing therapy for local people coping with cancer and bereavement,” said Claire.

To find out more visit @lakelandwildswimmers on Instagram