Katie Piper leaps into icy Welsh waters to highlight the importance of support during life-changing ordeals
WHETHER she's fronting a body positivity campaign or strutting her stuff on the Strictly dancefloor, it's no secret that Katie Piper is a woman after our hearts.
And now the television presenter, author and acid attack survivor has taken yet another plunge - by leaping into icy Welsh waters to front a new campaign incredibly close to her heart.
Katie joined The Bluetits - a female-only open water swimming group - in freezing temperatures to highlight the importance of support during life-changing ordeals.
Facing the chilly waters with a smile on her face, Katie burst out laughing while being totally submerged by the freezing cold sea at Porthsele beach.
In March 2008, Katie - who was working as a model at the time - survived an acid attack which left her face severely burned.
Over the years, Katie has relied heavily on her family, friends, doctors and nurses for support - and dove into the icy waters to support AXA PPP healthcare's new #InMyCorner campaign which celebrates communal strength.
As part of the campaign, Katie will launch the #InMyCorner competition which invites users to tag themselves and their heroes in social media posts using the #InMyCorner for the chance to win a luxury holiday to Mauritius.
The Bluetits boast over 1,000 members across the country who ditch their wetsuits to bathe in temperatures as low as six degrees.
Katie has been made an honorary member of the group, whose members range from the ages of 18 to 66.
The star said: "The Bluetits are an incredible group.
'Whilst I was anxious about taking the plunge, the support and encouragement they gave me was brilliant and really showed me the spirit of who they are – a group of women who stand by each other.
“I met women who were going through cancer treatment who told me about how the group is helping them stay strong.
“Another woman told me that cold water swimming was improving her mental health.
"It was a once in a lifetime experience and I feel honoured to have become a Bluetit and have met these women who are the epitome of everyday heroes.”
Sian Richardson, Founder of The Bluetits, said: “The Bluetits aren’t just about cold-water swimming – it’s so much more.
“When you first get into the water your mind goes blank and you can’t think of anything else beyond swimming.
"After you’ve been that vulnerable in the cold water all barriers are knocked down and you can talk to anyone about anything.
“The conversations I have had with these women have given me friends for life and I know that no matter what, I have a group of strong women by my side to help me through any challenging times.”
Eugene Farrell, Mental Health Lead at AXA PPP healthcare, said: “Someone who is in our corner can take many different forms.
“They don’t have to be physically near us, but it’s that person who can help explain the silly things we don’t understand, encourage us when we don’t have courage, push you when you want to give up and challenge us by asking that difficult question.
“Most of all, they’re that person you trust and respect who supports you not only when you need it but when you don’t even realise you do.
"It is this that made us, at AXA PPP healthcare, want to celebrate and champion those crucial people in all our lives, showing true appreciation for our everyday heroes.”
The #InMyCorner competition launches today and closes on 16 June - terms and conditions can be found .
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