Anna makes a splash to say thank you for Barnard Castle charity's help

AN ex-servicewoman who lost the use of her legs after a serious accident said “thank you” to a charity which has come to her aid by diving into the Tees on Boxing Day.

Barnard Castle-based The Clique has covered the cost of Anna Kelton's gym membership as she trains for next year's Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia.

Ms Kelton joined members of the charity for their third Boxing Day dip.

She was serving with the Royal Navy when she fell during a training exercise with the Royal Marines.

Subsequently diagnosed with conversion disorder, a condition where psychological symptoms manifest themselves as physical problems, she has lost the use of her legs and has to use a wheelchair.

Ms Kelton took part in the inaugural Invictus Games, in London, in 2014, winning two rowing gold medals.

She hopes to compete in the rowing events again when the games are held in Sydney in October next year.

To help with training, The Clique has paid for membership of the Glaxo Sports and Social Club gym.

“This has allowed me to do more training. Doing sport helps with my recovery,” she explained.

“I just wanted to give something back and to say thank you to The Clique. They are an amazing charity and do so much for the town.”

Ms Kelton joked that not having any feeling in her legs gave her an advantage over the others taking part – but admitted it had been chilly in the water and was well wrapped up for the rest of the day.

However, she said she'd be happy to take the plunge again next year.

Ms Kelton and her fiance James Croxford were among nine hardy dippers who dived into the Tees which had been swollen by rain the previous evening.

And while it had been a relatively warm few days, temperatures had plunged to near freezing by Boxing Day morning.

Numbers of dippers were down on last year due to several being laid low by cold and flu which has been affecting many people around Barney in recent weeks.