Rett syndrome is devastating for a family. Having suspected something was not quite be right,suddenly they are told their child will be profoundly disabled, with multiple health problems including epilepsy, a curved spine, breathing problems, feeding difficulties and gut/bowel issues.

Rett UK is there to pick up the pieces; emotional support, high quality, accurate advice & information, advocacy, reducing isolation, empowering families, building emotional resilience and helping the person with Rett syndrome live a life worth living.

Juliette is doing the Extreme Penguin silver challenge which is no gloves, no boots just swim suit and bobble hat! Becky is doing the polar bear gold challenge where a swim hat is allowed with swim suit. Penguin and Polar Bear Winter Swim Challenges We are both regular sea swimmers but usually wear gloves, boots and rash vests during the winter months when sea temps drop to as low as 6 degrees. So this is a serious challenge for us as you have to swim at least 250m in one swim, at least twice in a month … which means ten to fifteen minute in the water at those temperatures.

Juliette says ‘I am doing it because Rett UK is so important to us and the support it gives to families like ours.

I like to have a winter challenge and I enjoy the challenge of cold water swimming with the health benefits it brings .’

Becky says ‘This is my fifth year of swimming all year round in the sea but it’s your extremities that feel the cold the most as blood is directed away to protect your vital organs. No gloves or boots is painful but nothing compared to what our daughters have to put up with every day from Rett syndrome. They are our inspiration!’