Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Sometimes life takes you somewhere you never expected. Cold Wild Swim Club grew out of one of the hardest years of my life, and the hope that something good could come from it.
Where a new chapter began, on the Causeway Coast.
In May 2026, my life changed completely.
I underwent emergency, life-saving open-heart surgery to replace my severely damaged aortic valve with a mechanical valve and repair part of my ascending aorta.
The surgery was frightening enough, but the weeks that followed brought more setbacks. My recovery was complicated by a collapsed lung, pneumonia and influenza. I spent around seven weeks in hospital, and there were days when getting home felt a long way off.
When I eventually did make it home, I realised recovery wasn't only about getting physically stronger. I was trying to rebuild my confidence, adjust to a different life and find something positive to look forward to.
It made me appreciate things I'd barely stopped to think about before: a bit of fresh air, a good conversation, a beautiful view and simply being able to make plans again.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered the world of wild swimming, and I fell in love with it.
To be fair, if you'd told me a year ago I'd be so interested in people willingly getting into freezing cold water, I'd probably have thought you'd lost the plot.
But it wasn't just the swimming that caught my attention. It was the coastline, the early mornings, the friendships, the laughs and the way people looked out for one another. There seemed to be room for everyone, from experienced swimmers to the ones still standing at the water's edge questioning their life choices.
Living here in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, surrounded by what I genuinely believe is some of the most beautiful coastline in the entire world, has made me appreciate just how lucky we are to have such incredible places right on our doorstep.
The more I learned about the community, the more I wanted to be part of it. And slowly, an idea began to take shape.
That idea became Cold Wild Swim Club.
I wanted to create clothing that celebrates the outdoors and the little things wild swimmers understand. Some designs would be practical, others would have a bit of humour, because there's plenty to laugh about when your fingers are too cold to open the flask.
But I never wanted CWSC to be only about selling T-shirts.
I wanted to build a community.
A place for the sunrise dippers, the weekend swimmers, the beginners and the people who mainly turn up for the tea and cake afterwards.
Going through surgery taught me something I won't forget: you never really know what another person is dealing with. Sometimes a friendly face, a laugh or a chat can make more of a difference than you realise.
That's the spirit I want at the heart of Cold Wild Swim Club. No pressure to be the fastest or bravest. Just good people enjoying the outdoors together.
Some of us love the sea. Others prefer a lake, a river or a quiet wee spot that feels like our own. Some swim all year round; some take one quick dip and make a beeline for a hot drink.
It doesn't matter whether you're here on the Causeway Coast, elsewhere in the UK or on the other side of the world. The places may be different, but that feeling of belonging can be the same.
That's why Different Places. Same People. means so much to me. It's what I hope CWSC will always stand for.
We're a small, independent brand, still finding our feet, with plenty to learn and lots of ideas I'd love to bring to life.
I'd love to see people sharing photos from their favourite swimming spots, meeting new friends and finding somewhere new to explore. I'd love someone to spot a CWSC T-shirt on a beach, say hello and discover they've found somebody who loves the same things.
And if we can put a few smiles on faces along the way, even better.
Because the clothing is only one part of the story. The people who become part of CWSC are what will make it special.
Earlier this year, starting a business was the furthest thing from my mind. My biggest concern was getting through surgery and making it home.
I'm still on my own road to recovery, and I know there'll be challenges ahead. But I'd rather take something hopeful from a difficult time than let that experience define everything that comes next.
Cold Wild Swim Club began during one of the hardest chapters of my life. I hope it grows into something that brings happiness, friendship and a sense of belonging to others.
This story might have started with me, but I'd love the next chapters to be about all of us.
Wherever you're from, and whether you've been swimming for years or are just curious about the whole thing, you're welcome here. Share your favourite spots, tag us in your adventures and help us make this wee community something we can all be proud of.
To everyone who's supported the idea so far, thank you. It means more than you probably realise.
We're only getting started.
Different Places. Same People.
COLD WATER. WARM PEOPLE.
From the founder of Cold Wild Swim Club
Ballycastle, Northern Ireland