MORE than forty people braved the chilly air to take part in Epilepsy Action's first charity swim at Rutland Water.
In total 41 people donned a wetsuit and took to the 15 degree C water - with one swimmer choosing to swim without a suit - on Sunday morning (September 30), to take part in either the 500m, 1,000m or 1,500m race.
People of all ages and abilities took part with the youngest swimmer being 15 and the oldest 72.
Dan Richardson from Peterborough took part in the 1,000m, he said: "It was alright really. It was a bit nippy at the start but it wasn't too bad once you got going. I'm not sure at this stage how much I've raised."
Organisers plan to make the swim at Rutland Water an annual event with the aim of having 300 people - the maximum allowed to swim at any one time - next year.
Fundraising manager for the East Midlands, Joanne Burrows said: "When we found out swimming was allowed at Rutland Water we were delighted and will be pushing to get 300 people here next year.
"Hopefully it will take place at the same time every year. Autumn gives the water time to warm-up over the summer.
"Our goal is to make at least £5,000 from today's event. The money will be used to fund our free helpline, have support nurses in hospitals, we also lobby for better health care as well as supporting research."
Smaller fundraising events planned this year include a two week tea break at Stamford hospital, a wine tasting evening and a spa day at Ragdale Hall.
To find out more about the events and Epilepsy Action website at www.epilepsy.org.uk
