A BRAVE swimmer is battling icy conditions in memory of her dad who sadly died of prostate cancer.

Stacey Cara Donnelly is swimming nearly 80km in 2021, despite temperatures dropping to a record low this year.

Mrs Donnelly, from Witherslack, near Grange, is taking on the challenge in memory of her ‘inspiring’ dad who died early last year.

The 52-year-old said: “I lost my dad to prostate cancer early in 2020 and he was my hero and inspiration so I decided to try and raise as much money as possible to help research this terrible cancer that took my dad.

“I have been swimming in local areas while in lockdown and am looking forward to being able to go further afield. I am building my stamina and strength as I go to be able to swim the distances I have set myself for the year.

"I will have to swim every day to gain the distance in such cold temperatures, which will often be below five degrees.

“Swimming in my skins [costume] is physically and mentally draining in these temperatures, but my dad is there in my thoughts spurring me on every time I swim.”

Mrs Donnelly has launched a fundraiser for Prostate Cancer Research. To donate, visit her JustGiving page here.