COLD water swimmers from Millendreath have raised vital funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

The Millie Chilly Swimmers rose to the challenge when the air ambulance trust put out a call for swimmers to ‘Brave the Blue’ to fundraise for a much needed second Air Ambulance helicopter.

The call to action last February 2024, saw twelve of the cold water swimmers braving the cold every day throughout the month to raise funds while an older member, unable to swim after a nasty fall, asked for sponsorship for doing her physio exercises every day in February, helping to raise a further £200.

Karen Batchelor from the Millie Chilly Swimmer said: “We chose the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust #Heli2 appeal for our 2024 fundraiser, as many of us have had personal and family experiences of the incredible work they do, being there when it really matters and getting critical patients to hospital to give them their best chance of survival.

“As we are group of all year round sea swimmers it seemed the perfect challenge for us, so through sponsorship we raised £1,315 pounds for 'Brave the Blue’.”

The dedicated swimmers and fundraisers donated more than £2700 to the #Heli2 appeal, and this year will be raising money for a fully kitted out second Cornwall first responder car. (Picture: Valley Resorts)
The dedicated swimmers and fundraisers donated more than £2700 to the #Heli2 appeal. (Picture: Valley Resorts) ( )

Not content with that sum the swimming group continued their fundraising efforts throughout the year, holding a Pirate Cakey Tea, and challenging the local Quay Sailing Club at skittles, not once but twice.

They also produced and sold a Millie Chilly Swimmers 2025 calendar including photos from The Newquay Blueballs and The Mermates of Cawsands, while Karen wrote, illustrated and self published her first ever book. The children's book “Millie Chilly Mermaid” sold out its 100 copies bringing the total raised in 2024 to £2,710.66.

The Millie Chilly Swimmers emerged in the spring of 2023 as a group of swimmers who wanted to raise funds for Cornish charities “that are there not just for us but for anyone in Cornwall at a time of great need” says Karen. They choose RNLI and specifically Looe RNLI, producing a calendar featuring their own members in swim-related quirky photos raising £1,700.

Morwenna Smart, community manager for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust said: “We have been so delighted that the Millie Chilly Swimmers have really thrown themselves into their fundraising for our #HELi2 Appeal.

“They started 2024 ‘Braving the Blue’ with a month’s worth of cold water dipping in February and have since supported our events and produced a lovely charity calendar.

“They finished the year on £2,710 which is such a fantastic total and will truly make a difference to help bring a second lifesaving AW169 to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

The Millie Chilly Swimmers have their fundraising sights this year set on a second, fully kitted out first responder car for Cornwall. (Picture: South Western Ambulance Charity)
The Millie Chilly Swimmers have their fundraising sights this year set on a second, fully kitted out first responder car for Cornwall. (Picture: South Western Ambulance Charity) ( )

The group’s chosen charity for 2025 is South Western Ambulance Charity: First Responder. Karen explained: “Much like the Cornwall Air Ambulance it relies very much on their team of volunteer first responders to give critical care to save lives.

“We have a few ideas in the pipeline for fundraisers with our first event will be held at Millendreath Beach Wednesday on February 19 from 1.30pm.”

There’s no end in sight to the fundraising efforts of this busy community of swimmers.