Three courageous women in Machynlleth pledged to swim outdoors every day in January to raise money for Crisis, the national charity for homeless people.

Em Appleton, Mim Davies and Judith Thornton, who are collectively known as the Mach Dippers, take the plunge every day - and wet suits are not allowed!

“We’ve coined the phrase Wet January,” said Mim , in contrast to Dry January, during which people abstain from drinking alcohol.

“Lots of people make pledges to do something in January, but this one has been more extreme than I was expecting.”

Em said of the pledge: “Winter is harsh and forcing yourself to get into freezing cold water is challenging to say the least but it’s nothing compared to the cruel conditions people have to face every day living on our streets.

"Over the last five years the number of people sleeping rough has gone up by 120 per cent in England and up 63 per cent in Wales.

“Living on the streets is dangerous, it causes health problems and effects people’s well being. For people without a support network, security and shelter is precarious and one life change can mean a life on the streets.”

You can find out about the work Crisis is doing at www.crisis.org.uk. And to donate to the trio, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/machdippers.

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