WATCH: Laois woman braves freezing cold Dublin swim for Women's Aid

A brave Laois woman has gone ahead with a charity swim in the sub zero conditions in Ireland this week, and has so far raised almost €1,000 for Women's Aid.

Anne Kearns Gormley from Mountmellick set herself the challenge of a swim in the famous 40 foot in Sandycove, Dublin - seen by many on Bad Sisters, to raise money for the Irish charity that helps women experiencing abuse.

Despite the cold snap experienced all over Ireland this week, she went ahead last Monday January 6, on Nollaig na mBan.

Anne told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about it.

"I was looking for something to do in the new year for some charity. I saw this on Facebook, and I like cold swimming and love swimming in the sea so I decided to do it," she said.

Her normal haunts are not for the faint hearted - the Catholes and Cadamstown in the Slieve Bloom Mountains filled with icy spring water.

"It was so cold on the day. The wind chill factor was -6 degrees, but the sea temperature was 8 degrees. I do a cold plunge in the Midlands Park leisure centre. That is 5 degrees and I can stay in for five minutes," she said.

On the day she swam nearly a kilometre, supported onshore by her sister Thomasina and James, one of her five sons.

"I had on a swimsuit and swim leggings, but my hands and feet were bare. That was a mistake. My hands couldn't move after, they were so numb. It was very refreshing to say the least. I warmed up with a flask and a hot water bottle, getting into warm clothes as fast as possible," she explained. 

Her swim was captured on a video that would have you reaching for the hot water bottle!

Anne had set a goal of raising a modest €150, but as of January 8 it has reached €911.

"I feel a great sense of achievement now. It's crazy how much people have donated, people have given cash too so the total will be higher. Thanks to all who supported me especially my family," she said.

Her online fundraiser can be found on the Women's Aid website, and it will be open until the end of February.

"I could do a second swim yet," Anne added.