Brave Laois woman swims in 'baltic' Slieve Bloom mountains for Women's Aid

A Laois woman braved the icy cold spring waters this January in the Slieve Bloom mountains, for a good cause.

Linda Kehoe Dunne from Mountmellick, originally Athy, jumped into a freezing mountain river, in aid of Women's Aid.

The Catholes is a spring fed swimming spot in the mountains, popular in summer when even then the water is very cold.

"It was baltic," she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Linda's husband Martin Dunne took photos and sent one into weatherman Deric Ó h'Artagáin on the IrelandAM television show, in hopes of drumming up more money for the great cause.

Linda is planning to get back in, in support of her niece Anneka Harvey from Mountmellick who is also preparing for the challenge.

She explains why she is raising money for Women's Aid.

"Simply to raise funds and awareness around Women's Aid Ireland and the vital support they give both single women or women with families," she said.

Her Cold Swim Challenge for Women's Aid fundraiser remains open. So far Linda has raised €460. See it here to donate.

One in four women experience some form of domestic abuse in Ireland and Women’s Aid is there to listen, believe and support women every day on the 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 and through one to one support services.

Below: Linda enjoying a warming drink after her challenge.

They can also link women in with local support services near where they live. Last year, they answered over 21,000 calls from women from all across Ireland whose partners or exes were emotionally, physically, sexually and/or financially abusive.

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Women also told them that their children were exposed to the abuse by their father.

The 24hr National Helpline is a lifeline for women who need support. A safe, confidential and non-judgmental space to talk through what is happening at home or in relationships and get practical support and information.

For more information on all the services Women’s Aid provide and on our work to end domestic violence in Ireland visit www.womensaid.ie.