Saying Thank You with an Icy Dip
ROD WEBB
We all appreciate stories of survival against the odds, and Cathy Cobley’s story is one of those. Ten years ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. But with the help of a conscientious GP and the support of friends, family and the Sara Lee Trust, she was able to make a full recovery.
After her life-saving surgery, she became a tissue donor for Pancreatic Cancer Research, went on to raise funds for the organisation, and eventually began to work part-time for the Sara Lee Trust. But, as if that wasn’t enough, Cathy has decided to “face her fears” for a fund-raising dip in the sea on the tenth anniversary of her recovery.
The event is to be staged following arm-twisting from her cold-water swimming friends. She frequently meets the swimming group for coffee, but only because she loves their company, not with any idea of joining them. “It’s not my idea of fun,” she says. “I was coerced into doing it and am genuinely terrified!”
Cathy always had ready-made excuses for not joining them in the sea – the sewage, her weakened immune system – and would stay safely on the beach looking after their belongings and dogs. But last month, she was ambushed with a convincing story about the charity-raising potential of her taking part in a challenge rather than sticking to an organisational role. And that’s how she landed a date with the sea on 19 January, between 10.30 and 11.00am at Groyne 41, opposite Azur in St Leonards, Hastings.
Cathy will need all the support she can get to help her ‘do the deed’. Moral support will be provided by her swimming buddies who will join her in the water, and others are welcome to take a dip with them or cheer from the shore. But, ultimately, it’s support for the Sara Lee Trust that will raise Cathy’s spirits.
As she says: “The Trust held my hand through the hardest times and continues to give me a sense of purpose. Every donation from this challenge will go to The Sara Lee Trust, helping local people and their caregivers facing life-threatening illnesses.”
To support Cathy, go to Cathy’s Chilly Challenge at justgiving.org, join her on the beach on 19 January to cheer her on, or both.
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