74-year-old raises money for charity by doing a snow angel in her swimming costume on her birthday

A woman from Hartlepool braved the cold in her swimming costume to raise over £700 for charity after doing a snow angel in her garden to celebrate her 74th birthday.

By Georgina Cutler

Published 15th Feb 2021, 13:53 BST

Updated 15th Feb 2021, 14:09 BST

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Sybil Mountford, 74 has raised more than £700 for Alice House Hospice and Stray Aid after completing a snow angel wearing only her swimming costume in bitter temperatures on her birthday.

The 74-year-old decided to raise money for the charities after having the idea to do something “daft” on her birthday which was initially going to be sent to her friends and family.

A video of the Hartlepool resident doing a snow angel in the below freezing conditions has been shared online to help raise funds.

Sybil raised money on her 74th birthday.

Sybil raised money on her 74th birthday.

Ms Mountford decided to do the snow angel in her swimming costume after seeing others swimming in icy waters and diving naked into snow to raise money for charity.

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Sybil said: “It was just a flash in the pan kind of thing, I was just going to send my family a daft picture of me doing a snow angel on my birthday and then I spoke to some friends on an online exercise class who said they would sponsor me.

"I only thought of the idea as I looked outside and saw the snow lay flat and thought to myself, I could make a lovely snow angel.”

Sybil warmed up after doing her snow angel for charity.

Sybil warmed up after doing her snow angel for charity.

Jeanette, Sybil’s daughter helped shared her mam’s fundraiser online and filmed the clip on her 74th birthday.

The 74-year-old adjusted to the cold climate by sitting in her swimming costume without the heating on in her home before diving into the snow.

Sybil added: “I only thought I would raise about £50 so I’m completely gobsmacked at how many people have supported me.

"People in this town are so generous, it’s so lovely – everyone has helped by donating something, the community in the town are brilliant.”

Ms Mountford said it took her around two hours to warm up again after her chilly fundraising efforts.

Sybil is a volunteer for Alice house but has been limited to fundraising events due to the pandemic – you can donate to her fundraiser here.

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