Woman raises over £1k for cancer charity with Christmas Day swim at Exmouth

A local woman raised more than £1,000 for local cancer support charity FORCE by swimming in the sea at Exmouth on Christmas Day.

Sally Shannon, a retired pub manager from Talaton who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, raised a total of £1,045 (£1,200 with Gift Aid) after joining the Exmouth Women Seal Swimmers group in their festive dip.

She said: "It was a lovely thing to do on Christmas morning and very invigorating.

The swimmers on Exmouth beach (FORCE Cancer Charity)

"I was truly overwhelmed how much money was raised and it show how much FORCE means to people in the area.

"I received wonderful support from FORCE [after the cancer diagnosis]. They support the whole family because it's not just you that's on the journey from hell. It affects everyone around you."

FORCE offers free support to anyone locally affected by cancer from its main centre in Exeter and outreach hub in Ottery St Mary.

For example, Sally was able to access wig fitting, massage, counselling and had a gym referral from the charity's specialist physio team.

Click here to find out more about the charity.