A brave mum is taking a daily dip in the sea to say thanks to hospital staff who saved her children’s lives.
As temperatures plummet, Nikki Wasik, 38, from Oban, has challenged herself to complete 50 swims in 59 days to raise cash for the Glasgow Children’s charity.
As she returned from her latest swim yesterday Nikki, whose daughter Mara, three, and son Torran, who will be one on February 28 when she aims to complete her feat, said: “It was minus six air temperature when I went in on Wednesday and minus two air temperature today but minus eight with wind chill.”
Both children were born prematurely, with Mara arriving 10 weeks early and Torran 10 weeks before her due date and they spent a collective total of 10 weeks in special care.
Nikki, who walks barefoot across the frosty shores at Ganavan to go swimming, said: “The staff at the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital are absolutely out of this world.
“I can never thank them enough because without them I wouldn’t have either of my babies. Going back for the second time during the coronavirus pandemic was terrifying. Torran was on a ventilator and had 13 wires on him at one point.”
With the pandemic restricting visitors Nikki said: “The staff became my family, they were the ones to support you through it. The dedication, kindness and selflessness the staff show on a daily basis is unbelievable, without them my babies wouldn’t be here.
“Covid-19 has stopped us from going back to the ward to thank them so I’d love to raise some money to show them some appreciation for all that they do.”
Nikki began her open swim challenge on New Year’s Day.
She said: “I have done some of the swims in just a swimsuit and more in my wetsuit – and I keep my woolly hat on to give myself a bit more protection.
“I did 10 to 15 minutes the first time and about 25 minutes now. When you are in the water you actually feel quite warm and it gives me time to clear my head in the morning. I usually swim at sunrise, before the craziness of the day.”
●To sponsor Nikki click here.
