A WOMAN from Northwich has spent the winter months re-connecting with her wild side, all in the name of a good cause.

Debbie French decided to take the plunge into the icy cold waters of Cheshire's lakes to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

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Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a national charity that trains dogs to alert deaf children and adults to important and life-saving sounds and help deaf people to leave loneliness behind, as well as offering a range of other bespoke services to anyone with hearing loss.

Northwich Guardian: Braving the ice to get that uplifting fix.

Breaking the ice - the swims were carried out in the depths of winter.

For Debbie, a volunteer puppy trainer at the charity, the Polar Bear Challenge meant undertaking a minimum of two wild swims per month, each of at least 200 metres, between November to April.

She said: "I started wild swimming at the end of the summer.

"It is a wonderful way to get out into fresh air and nature and to clear the head.

"Especially important during the pandemic.

"When the Polar Bear challenge was suggested amongst my swim buddies it seemed the perfect opportunity to push myself over the winter, try cold water swimming and raise money for Hearing Dogs at the same time.

"It turned out that swimming in the lake in rain, mist, snow and ice was something truly uplifting, especially the time spent with new swim buddies, even when we were limited to swimming in twos and sixes."

Northwich Guardian: Debbie enjoys swimming with her swim buddies.

Debbie enjoys swimming with her swim buddies.

Debbie's voluntary role at the charity involves taking a pup into her home and teaching all the basic obedience a puppy needs – like learning ‘sit’ and ‘down’ – as well as getting used to different environments such as towns, parks and beaches when they’re older.

She added: "As the volunteer trainer of Mowgli (my Hearing Dog puppy and first dog) I am fully aware of the huge commitment of time and money these wonderful little life-changers are."

With 12 million people affected in the UK - that’s one in six adults and 50,000 children - the charity’s support is vital to people who were all too familiar with the feeling of isolation, even before lockdown.

It costs around £40,000 to fully train and support a hearing dog for the duration of its life and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People relies on the support of donations so every penny raised by amazing people like Debbie helps to transform the lives of people with hearing loss.

Northwich Guardian: Debbie took up wild swimming last summer.

Debbie took up wild swimming last summer.

As the Charity looks to return to regular fundraising activities across Cheshire, they would love to hear from people interested in getting involved.

If you are interested in finding out more, you can contact Gaynor Cavanagh, local Community Fundraising Manager for more information on 07769 901297 or email gaynor.cavanagh@hearingdogs.org.uk