A BRAVE group of West Cork sea swimmers are taking the plunge this month to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

The group, who call themselves the Hearty Hulks, have committed to the 12 Dips of December which involves entering open water, a pool or ice bath at least a dozen times this month to raise vital funds.

Hearty Hulk Jay Cornish, who has regularly been sea swimming for the past six months, told The Southern Star: ‘It’s not about going for long swims at all, more to just get in that cold water to get a metaphorical slap across the face that forces you to be in the present moment.’

There’s a social aspect to it too, with Jay meeting up with friends along the way as they feel the refreshing cold water stimulate their central nervous system.

Jay has taken a break from work which he’s found has allowed him to relearn the importance of self-care, friendships and community connection.

‘When I initially stopped working, I wasn’t really fit for anything. Burnout is a common term but one I had to research,’ he explained.

‘I had grand ideas of running up mountains and getting a few projects done, but really all I could do was sit quietly for the first few months…and then slowly, with the enormous support from my family and loved ones, I started to engage in life again.’

Starting with two team members, the Hearty Hulks is now a growing collection of 16 men supporting men, not only for this particular challenge, but also to highlight the importance of men talking to men about their health generally, especially in the modern world we all live in.

So far they have collectively raised €4,775. A number of local business are also showing their support too, including ‘The Water School’ located at Pearson’s Bridge, Co. Cork. Manager and Hearty Hulk team member Ciáran Seawright said: ‘This is an excellent cause as heart disease is a major health problem which I think it’s greatly misunderstood by many people but its effects run deep.’

When it comes to the team challenge meet-ups, Jay said: ‘After we’ve all got in the water for a couple of minutes and got the yells and screams out of our systems, we then have a hot cup, a bit of a laugh and chat and then all go on our way. What could be better
than that?’

The Hearty Hulks have also had a couple of team sauna sessions where Jay shares that the male bonding was taken to a whole new level!

‘During this expanding journey, the Hearty Hulks have begun to create a safe, supportive and respectful space where, if they want to, group members can open up to each other with whatever’s on their mind and can lean on the support of their fellow brothers,’ said Jay.

‘But of course,’ he beamed, ‘it’s not just all about that…. we have a fair amount of craic along the way too.’

Follow and support their cause, photos, and story at https://fundraise.irishheart.ie/st/1475/9939.