For over 75 years, Thistle has helped people living with disabilities, long-term conditions or facing challenging life circumstances to ensure that a health crisis doesn't become a life crisis. By supporting Thistle, you are supporting people to take back control of their lives, like Jackie: “Thistle’s support has been life-changing;” Calum: "I have confidence that I will be able to make a full recovery;” and Jinny: “It is vital; words cannot tell you how grateful I am for Thistle’s support."

I'm going to be swimming in the sea every day in January to try to raise some funds for the wonderful work Thistle does. Open water swimming has become my tonic. As soon as I’m immersed in the water, I hear the sounds of birds, the sploosh of the rippling waves and my friends shrieking. It mutes the worries and uncertainties of the pandemic. It blurs the sleep deprivation and mum-stresses. It puts work on hold. It cocoons me in a flow state of tranquillity, calmness and gratitude. It's really quite impossible to go into the cold water without a grin on your face, and pretty difficult to put into words the sense of euphoria it gives you afterwards. I dance home freezing and smug and my resilience has been topped up." 

“You can follow me on Instagram @SaltwaterMandy and
I may be looking for swim buddies now and again throughout January, so feel free to message me if you want to join in"