Wild Dookers sponsored walk and swim for north east mums
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A MORAY mum who experienced post-natal anxiety has organised a sponsored walk and wild swim in the sea to raise money for a support group.
Emma Williams, from Keith, founded the Wild Dookers, a group that goes wild swimming every weekend.
On Saturday, September 2 the group will walk from Portsoy to Cullen and then on to Portknockie
That will be followed by yoga on the beach at Cullen and a sunset dook at 8pm.
At night there will be a camp fire with live music by guitarist Gary Moyes and possibly other musicians.
All proceeds from the walk, which sets off at 10am, will go to LATNEM (Let's All Talk North East Mums) peer support, which provides emotional and practical support for mums, birthing people and their families.
Figures reveal that 1 in 5 women and birthing people will develop mental health issues when they’re pregnant or in the first year after their baby’s born.
The charity urges people to reach out for support and in a crisis, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.
Emma said: "I suffered post-natal anxiety when I had my daughter, I struggled through myself but I feel I would have benefited from support like that.
"We have raised about £1200 through other events. I like to pick a different mental health charity each year."
Emma founded the group to provide people with a chance to enjoy wild swimming with other like-minded people and in a social and friendly setting.
The Facebook page now has 1500 members and on average 20 to 40 people turn up each weekend to swim.
"We are out every weekend and in the lighter nights we go out on a weekday evening as well."
Cullen is the main venue for the swims, although other local beaches are also used.
Emma said the main aim of the group is to encourage people to be active and make new friends at the same time.
If you would like to get involved search got to the Wild Dookers Facebook page and they also have a JustGiving page for the fundraiser, click here to support them.
