Page 25 - November 2021

NEWS ROUND-UP
FIREFIGHTER FREEZES FOR FUNDING
And earns a warm £10,000 for his chosen to stave off depression and dimentia
Hertfordshire Firefighter Keith (Diggas) Digby, attached to White Watch Borehamwood Fire Station, recently learned that a dip in cold water is actually good for your health as it can help stave off depression and dementia.
Used to popping into his garden pond on warm summer evenings, Keith decided to try something new! He would immerse himself in his pond for at least 10 minutes per day throughout the month of December 2020. But he had an ulterior motive which was to raise money, via a Go Fund me page, for DEMENTIA UK, a charity very close to his heart
Keith with Nicola
Keiths’ mother Jan (77) has suffered from dementia since her mid 60’s and now unfortunately no longer recognises him. He regularly visits Jan at her care home, but due to Covid this has been limited to 15 minutes and behind a protective screen.
night after coming off duty at his fire station but come rain, shine ice or snow he kept up his pledge, posting daily reports on the water and air temperatures.
So came New Years Eve, on which day he had raised an amazing sum in excess of £10,000.
He is grateful for the support of so many friends, most of whom, like me donated so we didn’t actually have to join him.
His wife Sian, who is a nurse, joined him for a double dip on Christmas Day and wrote a touching poem for Jan ..
Charity is not new to Keith who is a member of the British Firefighters Motorcycle Club. He frequently
So, armed with a different hat every day, he took a daily ice-cold dip, often accompanied by fellow firefighters or friends who joined him occasionally, well that was until his home area came under Tier 4 Covid restrictions. He was never completely alone though because he had about 30 fish with him, including “Nicola” his albino sturgeon!
Some dips had to take place at
participates in organised charity rides including those like “The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride” Herts & Essex Air Ambulance, Tunnels to Towers and many others.
I am honoured to have Keith, a man of good report, as a trusted friend.
Well done Diggas!
Peter Cowland Almoner
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