Whilst many people were hiding from wintry weather or nursing a hangover on New Year’s Day, local hypnobirthing teacher Ellie Cotton was plunging into the icy waves of the sea to raise funds for St Mary’s Maternity Hospital in Poole.

St Mary’s is the centre for all high risk care in East Dorset and is fully equipped to meet the needs of women and babies with complications, as well as women with normal pregnancies and births.

Ellie said: “St. Mary’s Maternity Hospital is a cornerstone in our community, providing essential services, support, and care to countless families during one of life’s most precious moments.”

Of her swim Ellie said: “Every splash and every shiver was a reminder of the determination to make a difference in the lives of mothers, babies, and families in our local area.”

If you would like to add to Ellie’s fundraising log onto justgiving.com/page/blossombirthempowerment-seadip?fbclid=IwAR1Jma_90L0IfpOwkmdirAla03Sa7yUo7U9oaccZKG7LT2pRzuGBonkDHYo