THE dedicated friend of a woman fighting breast cancer, will dive into Chalkwell’s chilly waters this winter to raise money for Southend Hospital’s Bosom Pals appeal.

Penny Allard, of Crescent Road, Leigh, aims to raise £100 for the cause by completing at least one sponsored sea swim without a wetsuit for every month of the winter season, from November through to March.

Her close friend Sara Speller, 38, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February and, while undergoing treatment, has so far raised more than £11,000 for Bosom Pals after setting an initial total of just £500.

Penny, 43, said: “Sara has been really inspirational over the summer, doing all her fundraising while battling cancer and having chemotherapy.

“The breast unit has been really fantastic with Sara and the ladies there are really brilliant.

It’s a great cause.”

Sara raised the cash through a raffle and auction night at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club, where she is a member.

Penny is way ahead of her once-a-month swim target, clocking up ten in November and four so far in December.

She is a member of the Chalkwell Red Caps open water swimming club. The idea for her chilly challenge came from a fellowwinter swimmer.

Iain Keenan completed 40 swims in the year leading up to his 40th birthday earlier this year.

Penny joined in with him to show her support and now others are doing the same for her.

She added: “I think we’re all a little bit crazy. It was 7.6 degrees when I went in last. The coldest it has been is 2.6, which was early April this year so the worst is definitely yet to come.”

Kayley Harvey, Southend hospital’s community fundraising manager, said: “It’s nice to see somebody doing something a bit different to raise money for charity.

It is fantastic what she’s doing and we’re very grateful for her support.”

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/penny allard5