There were celebrations at Cullercoats Bay as people gathered in aid one mum's year-long challenge against mental health.
People donned their bikinis and braced the cold North Sea to join and support Sarah Goldsborough in completing her 366th cold water swim to raise money for Mental Health Matters, as well as help her overcome her own battle with mental health.
The counsellor, from Whitley Bay, embarked on the challenge on her 35th birthday after her own mental health hit an all time low. She had recently lost her second baby in eight months and as she struggled to cope with the loss her anxiety peaked and she began suffering from regular panic attacks.
As the disabling panic attacks and intrusive thoughts grew stronger, Sarah knew she needed to do something that would "numb" her mind and allow her the chance to breathe and re-focus. She decided to embark on a 30 day cold water therapy challenge, which involved taking part in an open water dip every day while raising money for charity.
However, after realising that "mental health recovery doesn't come with an expiry date" she decided to extend her challenge and dedicate a full year to completing a daily cold water swim.
And as she stepped onto Cullercoats Bay at 12pm today she was greeted by those who have supported her on her journey who joined her in celebrating completion of the challenge, as well as the birthday she feared she would never see this time last year.
Speaking to her supporters on the beach today, an emotional Sarah said: "Thank you all for coming, supporting and donating to the journey of 365 days cold water therapy. One of the hardest, most challenging journeys I've ever done.
"Mental health matters 100% and I just want people to know that suicide doesn't have to be the answer and I hope that my journey has inspired others to not give up during the storm."
Each day Sarah has been completing the challenge she has shared a video diary online in which she has opened up about her mental health and the journey she has been on over the last year. She has made friends along the way, as well as finding her confidence and acceptance for herself.
Speaking to ChronicleLive, Sarah said: "It sounds cringey to say this but cold water therapy has saved my life. It has given me a new lease of life, I've found who I am, I've learned to love myself. I've lost two-and-a-half-stone on the journey and it's given me the energy to go back to the gym.
"I feel like I'm a brand new woman and all that has come from being in nature, in the water."
And now Sarah is inviting people to join her for a birthday swim to celebrate her completing a full year of daily cold water therapy swims. Anyone wishing to attend is invited to join Sarah at Cullercoats Bay at 12pm on Sunday.
She added: "It's going to be emotional and I know there's going to be some ugly tears but I'm so excited for it. I'm just so pleased I didn't give up in the hardest storm."
Anyone wishing to donate to her charity fundraiser can do so via Sarah's GoFundMe page, here. More information about Sarah's one year anniversary cold water swim can be found here.
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