Fundraisers take on ‘nippy dip a day’ in aid of Viking Genes
A GROUP of fundraisers are braving the sea this November as part of a ’30 dips in 30 days’ challenge.
Money raised by the daily sea swims will go towards the Viking Genes Shetland community screening project.
The fundraiser is being led by Sharon Deyell, who co-incidentally never thought sea swimming would be something she was brave enough to do.
However thanks to the encouragement of a group of women to swim at Reawick, she took the plunge – and has not looked back.
Deyell said the majority of the group plan to stick to the Westside for the swims, but there are some folk taking part in Whalsay too.
Other people are welcome to join the group, and folk do not have to commit to swimming every day.
People can also take a dip in the sea “whenever and wherever they want”.
The Viking Genes Shetland Community Screening Project aims to offer free genetic screening to 5,000 people in Shetland, enabling the identification of people who are at risk of certain life-threatening diseases.
For those affected, the screening will allow early interventions through providing a pathway for treatment through integration with NHS Shetland.
The project hopes to help people access appropriate health checks, preventative care and treatment earlier, benefiting individuals, families and future generations.
The screening project launched in 2025 with a £1 million target. So far more than £200,000 has been donated.
People can donate to the ’30 dips in 30 days’ fundraiser here.
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