SWIMMERS from a local mental health support group, Healthscape CIC Teignmouth, have been clocking up the kilometres to swim 10km for Cancer Research.

Peta Howell and Lisa Allen, both hub leaders for HealthScape CIC in Teignmouth have been collecting sponsorship and have raised a total of £1,031 and counting by swimming 10km in August.

They were inspired to raise this money after Lisa lost both her parents to cancer during the pandemic and Peta lost her Aunt to Breast Cancer this year.

As an end to the fundraiser they were joined by six other swimmers this Sunday: Sheryl Lyndsey, Kate Crompton, Dawn Clark, Louise Cox, Patricia Underwood and Sue Longworth all members of HealthScape, and competed in the Dawlish Triathlon Swims.

They say: ‘We were extremely proud that Lisa Allan gained first place in her age category (Vet 40) and Peta Howell followed in third place for the same category in the 1,500 metre swim. Dawn Clark took second place in her age category (Vet60) for the 750 metre swim.

‘I couldn’t be prouder of all these amazing women,’ says Peta. ‘750 metres in the sea is not an easy swim, particularly with the bumpy conditions we had on Sunday.

‘Every single one of them showed their courage and determination and completed the course, with some amazing time results too!’

‘Healthscape has changed all of our lives for the better, we have formed incredible friendships and our overall mental wellbeing and physical health has improved drastically.’

HealthScape provide social support and opportunities to enhance people’s mental health and well-being in our local community by using natural surroundings on and around the coast.

‘We are a small informal group of individuals who have discovered the benefits from the sea and outdoors through our individual journeys.

‘Many of the women taking part in this Sunday’s race were new to sea swimming last year and unable or too nervous to go out of their depth.

‘For them to take part in this competition was an incredible feat and shows just how far they have and how much confidence they now have in the water, thanks to their regular dips with Healthscape.’

Healthscape CIC Teignmouth run regular dips every Sunday at 10am, and meet to the left of Teignmouth Pier.

‘We also put regular early morning and moonlight dips on, all of which can be booked on for free on our website www.healthscapecic.co.uk.

‘We welcome new members, whatever your abilities and experiences and our hub leaders are all qualified in beach first aid, tube rescue and mental health first aid and supported by our wonderful volunteers can help you get the benefits of cold water dipping safely, all year round.’