Icebreaker returns to Ponty Lido in support of homelessness charity

Hundreds of swimmers are taking an icy dip in Ponty Lido as they raise money to support those struggling with homelessness.

The annual Icebreaker challenge is taking place at the National Lido of Wales in Pontypridd, where swimmers swim a width of the cold waters.

All money raised is in support of the homelessness charity Crisis, after a year where homelessness rose across the nation.

Figures from the charity suggest 12500 households in Wales were forced to seek homelessness support from the Council in 2023.

Debbie Thomas, from Crisis, told The Wave that fundraising in January is especially important when "temperatures can plummet."

"A lot of people we work with are living in really difficult conditions," Ms Thomas said, including "lots in temporary accommodation where they have to leave their accommodation during the day, so being out in the cold is stuff."