Brave Brockwell bathers break the ice for winter swim (From Your Local Guardian)

Brave Brockwell bathers break the ice for winter swim

11:23am Monday 21st December 2009 in

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Brave Brockwell bathers jumped in to the icy waters of the lido on Saturday to raise money for a charity devastated by a suspected arson attack.

While many of us have been piling on the layers as temperatures plummet, the snow-loving swimmers stripped off to take the plunge at Brockwell Lido to raise money for charity Wheels for Wellbeing.

The charity, that helps disabled people cycle in London, ran a project Bikes in the Park, in Brockwell Park. An alleged arson attack in the changing block in the park on October 16 meant the organisation lost all its bikes and equipment.

This year organisers had to break the ice on the surface of the water so the hardy swimmers could take their dip, while the pool itself was believed to be no warmer than two degrees.

However the freezing temperatures did not deter those taking part as record breaking numbers took the plunge with some 200 spectators looking on.

Anne Layton from the lido said: “It was brilliant. We had around 150 people taking part despite the cold weather - though I think that encourages mad people to come out!

“There’s always a bit of trepidation but then the adrenaline kicks in. The spirit of the occasion gets them through.”