Dozens of hardy swimmers plunged into freezing water at a well-known Manchester green space to raise money for a local charity.
We Love MCR Charity staged its Valentine’s dip at Sale Water Park and asked participants to immerse themselves in water that on the day measured a distinctly nippy 6C.
Participants were taken through the Wim Hof technique of breathwork and yoga beforehand to prepare them for the freezing cold of the water, and also had to contend with a biting wind on exit.
Fund-raisers were also encouraged to wear fancy dress, with everything from penguins to Na’vi from the action film series Avatar making their way into the bracing water for the mind-over-matter challenge. There was also a prize for the best outfit.
We Love MCR hailed the event a huge success, surpassing its initial target and raising £21,500 to support disadvantaged young people and community groups in Manchester through its Stronger Communities Fund and Rising Stars Fund.
1. Charity dip at Sale Water Park
Brave dippers prepare to enter the freezing water at Sale Water Park to raise money for the We Love MCR charity. Photo: Dylan O’Brien Photo: Dylan O’Brien
2. Charity dip at Sale Water Park
Some of the 80 hardy dippers who ventured into the water, which was just six degrees Celsius. Photo: Dylan O’Brien Photo: Dylan O’Brien
3. Charity dip at Sale Water Park
Jane McCormick of Openswim, who got her training in cold-water immersion from Wim Hof, runs participants through some breath work before taking the plunge. Photo: Dylan O’Brien Photo: Dylan O’Brien
4. Charity dip at Sale Water Park
Some of the participants in the freezing water at Sale Water Park for the We Love MCR charity dip. Photo: We Love MCR Photo: We Love MCR