Sandown’s ‘Fitness Hub Mermaids’ Brave Winter Seas To Support Lifeline Cancer Transport Service

A group of women from The Fitness Hub at the Old Post Office Building in Sandown are preparing to take on a chilly December challenge to raise funds for a vital support service helping Island cancer patients travelling to the mainland for treatment.

Formed just a month ago, the newly named Fitness Hub Mermaids will be plunging into the sea at Sandown Bay three times a week throughout December.

Their aim is to raise awareness and financial support for the Daisy Ring Bus — a volunteer-run service that transports Isle of Wight residents to Southampton and Southsea for essential cancer treatment.

The service, which provides a warm welcome and reassurance at a time of enormous stress and uncertainty, has become a lifeline for many Islanders needing to travel for care.

Head Mermaid, Kim Swallow, said the group felt strongly about doing something meaningful for the cause.

“We want to raise as much as we can for this incredibly valuable service.

"The Mermaids are determined to support the fantastic work they do,” she said.

Despite rapidly dropping sea temperatures, the group say they are ready to embrace the cold.

They’ll also be sharing photos and updates on social media, and are keeping a dedicated “Mermaid Logbook” to document the challenge from start to finish.

Their attitude is simple:

Cold water is welcome, goosebumps are part of the uniform, and every dip brings them closer to their fundraising goal.

The group says the challenge will be “chilly, fun and worth every single shiver.”

Those wishing to support the Fitness Hub Mermaids can donate via their JustGiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kim-swallow-3