Hywel Dda Health Charities on fundraising by Emma Brooke

Emma Brooke has raised a fantastic £1,229 for the Bronglais Chemo Appeal after a wild water dip with more than 20 of her friends and supporters.

Emma, 36, of Cilcennin, near Lampeter, wanted to raise money for the chemotherapy day unit to say thank you after finishing her treatment for breast cancer.

She said: “I know first-hand the amazing care that patients receive and how fantastic the staff are, but a new unit would make the environment so much better for staff and patients.

“At present the space is open and shared with other services so a more private space would be a lot more dignified for patients when having treatment.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in February 2021. Following a mastectomy and lymph removal in March, I started chemotherapy at the end of May. The care I received from the staff on the chemotherapy unit throughout my treatment was exceptional and I will never be able to thank them enough,” said Emma, who is a Project Support Officer with the Mid Wales Joint Committee for Health and Care, which aims to improve services across mid Wales.

“One of my closest friends, Gina Williams, suggested I tried sea swimming to help with my recovery. So, as I wanted to raise a bit of money for the unit to show my appreciation, I thought I’d do a sponsored dip as a celebration of the end of my treatment. I also wanted to raise awareness and share my story to help others going through the same thing.”

Emma said wild water swimming had been a big challenge because she had never swum in the sea up until recently as she was scared of the sea and being out of her depth.

“The swim was amazing,” Emma said. “The weather was warm but windy so the sea was quite rough but the turnout was fantastic and a large group of us braved the waves to have some fun.

“Lots of people turned out to support, some got in the sea and others watched from the beach, including my mum Liz Raymill, my brother Matt and my nine-month-old niece Lisia. It was lovely to have everyone there to celebrate the end of my treatment with me.

“Gina did brave the waves despite saying from the start she’d never get in the sea and she actually thoroughly enjoyed it. Gina has been a great support to me throughout my diagnosis and treatment.

“My final total came to a fantastic £1,229.45 and I am so grateful to everyone who donated.”