A hospice charity in Cumbria is asking people to brave a mile-long wild swim to raise vital funds.

It’s part of the charity’s long-running fundraising efforts and is part of a calendar of events Hospice at Home puts on.

This event in the summer, called the Great North Swim, will be a revival of its involvement at a similar event held ‘many moons ago’, as Jenny Urwin, fundraiser, said, adding that the practice of open water swimming is growing in popularity nationwide and has mental and physical health benefits – something this fundraising event will hopefully expose people to.

It’s relevant especially for the hospice which is well equipped with the knowledge on how grief can affect people’s emotions, and as mental health problems do not have a definite cure, methods to gain a clearer mind such as this are important to be promoted.

Ms Urwin, herself a wild swimmer, said of the event which takes place in Windermere from June 7 to 9 and will see participants join 7,500 swimmers over the weekend, said: “I always say how mindful swimming in nature can be.

“Coupled with the goal of raising money for the charity to help those in our community, we hope that our swimmers will find this challenge a meaningful and fun experience.”

Places cost £30, and each participant is encouraged to raised £150 for Hospice at Home.

Fundraising information packs and charity t-shirts are provided.

If you, or a team of friends, family or colleagues are interested in taking part, call the fundraising office 01768 210719 or email Jenny Urwin at fundraising@hospiceathome.co.uk.