Mayo woman set to take a dozen icy plunges to raise money for charity

A Mayo woman is taking a dozen icy plunges as part of the Irish Heart Foundation’s 12 Dips in December challenge.

Mandy Carabine, owner of Daybreak Belmullet, is braving the chilly Atlantic with her colleagues to raise vital awareness and funds to help save lives from heart disease and stroke. 

The death of her father in 2009 fuelled Mandy’s drive to sign up for the month-long challenge. 

“My father, Frank Brogan, died of a massive heart attack at 62,” she said.

Frank was a well-known figure and local businessman in the area, and his heart attack sixteen years ago was completely unexpected.

“He was larger than life, a huge character locally,” she said.

“When you’re touched by it, you want to do as much as you can. We all have a heart that needs looking after. People often neglect regular health checks.”

Mandy swims regularly in the sea and at Belmullet’s local tidal pool.

“When you come out of the water, you feel like you’ve had an electric shock, a complete reset. But I don’t really swim at this time of year so the 12 Dips in December will be a big challenge.” 

Mandy and her colleagues plan to complete their dips in the tidal pool, ensuring safety with lifeguard support. 

“It’s great fun, good for team building, and it’s for an important cause,” she said.

“Belmullet’s tidal pool is a unique, man-made seawater pool overlooking Blacksod Bay, which is very popular with swimmers all year round.”

Pictured: Many Carabine, who will take part in the 12 Dips of December challenge.

She is now encouraging those who have not signed up for the 12 Dips to support family and friends who are, by donating to the charity.

Funds raised will help save lives from heart disease and stroke, and increase the level of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

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“If you’re not doing the dips yourself, you can support by donating or encouraging others,” said Mandy.

“If you can help save one person, it’s worth it.

“People don’t realise the importance of regular checks. If you get a pain or you’re short of breath, it needs checking out.”

“At Daybreak, we’re incredibly proud to support the Irish Heart Foundation’s 12 Dips in December challenge,” said Janine Watson, Head of Retail Sales with Musgrave Wholesale Partners, operators of Daybreak stores.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do, and this initiative is a fantastic way to bring our retailers and their teams together across Ireland, have some fun, and raise vital funds for heart health.

“We’re excited to see the impact we can make by rallying local communities around such an important cause.” 

CEO of the Irish Heart Foundation, Emma Balmaine, said fundraising events such as this are crucial to continue providing much-needed support and services to people across Ireland affected by heart disease and stroke, including CPR training.

“In addition, they support patient services such as counselling and our Nurse Support Line, advocacy and health promotion work. 

“We’re hugely grateful to Daybreak for their support and to all those who are getting involved, every dip makes a difference!” 

Donations can be made at https://fundraise.irishheart.ie/event/12-dips-in-december-2025/home.