A couple have braved the freezing cold water in Finland to complete six ice swimming races without a swimsuit in aid of charity.
Last month Alistair Bell and Beth Robart travelled to Oulu, Finland to take on the challenge that most people would shy away from.
They took part in the bi-annual Winter Swimming World Championship 2026 between the 2 to 8 March.
Despite the icy conditions, which on the coldest day saw them swim in -0.5°C and the air temperature being -13°C, the duo completed the competition to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Alistair is no stranger to swimming in icy waters; he has previously swum in competitions in the Arctic and Europe during the last nine years. However, Beth, from Swansea, was thrown straight in the deep end.
Alistair, From Tenby, said: “I was really keen to introduce Beth to the experience. As it had been a couple of years since my last event, it was a fresh challenge for me. This was the first time Beth had ever swum competitively; she doesn’t come from a swimming background, so she really was thrown in at the deep end. Taking part with the aim of raising funds for the Air Ambulance was a huge motivator for us both.
“My family were unsurprised at me taking on this challenge, but Beth’s family and friends certainly were, as this was something completely new for her. However, knowing her keen sense of adventure, they quickly got behind her, especially when she began sharing photos and videos of her training in freezing conditions. It has certainly been a frequent talking point at her office.”
Prior to the competition Alistair and Beth trained by swimming in Scotland and the Lake District, in ‘little lakes up snowy mountains’. Whilst training they had a few experiences where they found the ‘training very difficult’, which worried them prior to the competition.
Alistair added: “Some of the training sessions were extremely tough, which did make us question how we would cope in competition.”
Despite their concerns they took to the freezing waters and completed the huge challenge! Whilst raising an incredible £2,175 for the all-Wales lifesaving Charity.
Alistair said: “In Oulu, Finland, on the coldest day, the water temperature was -0.5°C and the air temperature was -13°C. We completed six swims without wetsuits in those conditions. It was a brutal, but an amazing experience and we supported each other through it.”
Alistair and Beth both work within the trauma sector and said it is likely that their clients would have been saved by the Wales Air Ambulance and that is why they chose to support the Charity.
Reflecting on the amazing amount they have both raised for the lifesaving charity, Alistair said: “We are really pleased with the amount we have raised and are grateful for the generosity of colleagues and companies within the health and legal sectors. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who supported us.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency critical care.
Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “Congratulations to Alistair and Beth who took on this huge challenge, which most people would shy away from. It is incredible and shows how determined they were to complete this incredible challenge.
“We were grateful to hear that through their experience of working within the trauma sector they both wanted to raise funds for our Charity. Alistair and Beth should be extremely proud of themselves for taking on this freezing competition and completing it. They have both raised an amazing amount for the Wales Air Ambulance, which we really appreciate.
“Fundraisers like this are so important to our service and ensure that we can continue to come to the aid of patients wherever, and whenever they need us. By swimming six races in icy waters without a swimsuit, you’ve both played a part in saving lives across Wales. Well done Alistair and Beth.”
There is still time to show your support to Alistair and Beth by donating to their fundraising page www.justgiving.com/page/alistair-bell-6
