Brother's 12 Dips of Christmas campaign for sister

A photographer is plunging into icy cold water for charity after his sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Will Johnston, from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, is six dips into a 12 Dips of Christmas campaign with Cancer Research UK, for his sister Laura Matthews.

The dad-of-two is taking the plunge in the wild swimming lake at Lavender Hall in Balsall Common, with temperatures as cold as 4.9C.

He told the BBC: "I was a sad, worried brother, not knowing what else I could do. It's crazy but I also love it."

Ms Matthews, known as Los, was diagnosed within three weeks of finding a lump and told she would need surgery and radiotherapy.

He said after hearing about the campaign he signed up "almost straight away".

Mr Johnston said: "There are a few reasons I'm doing this. The main reason is my brilliant sister Los! Just hearing the word cancer is so scary.

"We're all in shock and doing what we can to look after her.

"She is, thank goodness, an incredible woman, she's so strong and has an amazing network of family and friends who will support her through this."

Within days, the fundraising page had already topped more than £1,000 in sponsorship for Cancer Research UK.

He has so far raised £1,600 towards his £2,000 goal.

Mr Johnston said: "The first time I did it, I thought 'why on earth am I jumping into cold water in December?'

"A few seconds later you forget how cold it is. Your body hurts for a few seconds, and once your breathing calms down you really get into it.

"It's been amazing. I'm surprised how much I love it. I'm blown away by the amount of support I've had."

Paula Young, from Cancer Research UK, added: "We're really grateful to Will for throwing himself – quite literally – into this challenge with such enthusiasm and we wish him and Los the very best of luck.

"Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 50 years.

"But we want to go further and faster and that will only be possible thanks to amazing people like Will supporting our life-saving research."

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