Laura Whelan

12 Dips in December 2025 - Supported by Daybreak

My Inspiration ❤️

In January 2018, my dad suffered a heart attack. Since then, he has been diagnosed with heart failure, a life-changing diagnosis for my family. He has faced this disease with incredible strength and a positive attitude. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Ireland, and seeing my dad fight every day to keep himself healthy has made this cause deeply personal for me.

 

I am incredibly proud of the hard work he has put into staying fit through cardiac rehabilitation and the resilience he continues to show.

 

That’s why I’m proud to announce that this year, I’m taking part in “12 Dips in December” with the Irish Heart Foundation. I would be truly grateful for any donations to support this important cause.

 

I’ll be sharing updates throughout the month as I take on this challenge. Thank you so much for your support ❤️

My Achievements

Shared Page

Self Donated

Updated a Profile Pic

Posted your 1st update

25% Target Reached

Reached Fundraising Goal

My Updates

Dip 3! 🌦️🌊

Saturday 6th Dec
My Mam and I after a freezing cold dip at the Forty Foot

Dip 3! 🌦️❤️

Saturday 6th Dec
Dip 3 marked the end of week one of my 12 Dips in December! Dip 3 was completely in the Forty Foot accompanied by yet another one my biggest supporter, my Mam. Today was a very cold dip at high tide. 3/12 Dips completed ❤️

Dip 2! ❤️🌊

Tuesday 2nd Dec
Completed Dip 2 of 12! Today’s dip was completed again at the Forty Foot in Sandycove. I was accompanied by my friend Sarah who joined me in my experience of dipping into the cold Irish sea. Please continue to share my fundraiser and donate ❤️✨

Dip 1! 🌊✨

Monday 1st Dec
First “12 Dips of December” complete! Early this morning, I had my first dip in the sea at the Forty Foot in Sandycove. Today, I was accompanied by my biggest supporter and my inspiration behind my cause, my Dad, who was standing on the sideline both cheering me on and laughing at my misery being in the freezing cold water. Thank you to everyone who has already donated to the Irish Heart Foundation. 1/12 dips completed ❤️

A huge thank you! 🎉

Thursday 27th Nov
Thank you to everyone who has already donated to this amazing cause!! I am absolutely blown away at everyone’s generosity and support for the 12 dips of December. In less than 24 hours, I have reached my initial goal of €1000! I never thought that in such a short period of time would I reach this goal. 

In light of this, I have decided to raise my goal to €2000 to continue to fundraise and raise awareness for the great cause that is the Irish Heart Foundation. 

Thank you again to everyone who has supported me and donated. Check back during December to see updates on my 12 dips ❤️

Thank you to my Sponsors

250

Xx Transport Services Ltd

105.25

Cliodhne & Jim Hamilton

Laura, well done for doing this! We are all behind you, xxx

105.25

Kilian Whelan

Fantastic Laura! Good luck with dozen dips!

105.25

Peter Hanlon

Beautiful message and you sure do have a lot to be proud of - Alan sure does give it 100%

105.25

Alan Grace

Well done Laura for taking on the challenge, good luck I am sure you will do amazing!!

105.25

Iclaims

Well done Laura A brilliant cause. Your dad Alan is truly an inspiration

102.85

Alan Whelan

Very proud you are doing this and for being my big hero in January 2018 staying calm and getting the fantastic group that saved my life ❤️

100

Naas Pacemakers

Well Done from Leo, Noel, Helen, Ina & Mary 👏🏻

63.81

Elizabeth Rigney

Good luck, Laura. I am very proud of you. Don't forget your wetsuit!

63.81

David Jackson

Go for it Laura. Great cause. I’ll be thinking of you from the comfort of a hot bath !

63.81

Liam Rigney

Super initiative. Best wishes.

53.42

Declan Larkin

53.42

Emma Hamilton

Good luck with the 12 dips Laura! Raising money for a fantastic cause! xx

53.42

Aoife Hamilton

Lots of love to Laura and Alan ❤️❤️ Such a wonderful cause that has helped our whole family xx

53.42

Kathleen O’leary

Fair play to you, Laura. ❤️ Best of luck in this weather!! ❤️ Kathleen

53.42

Brian Whelan

Dips in the Irish waters is a wee bit colder than here in sunny California! Kudos to you for the love and support.

53.42

Mary Whelan

What a super challenge for a super cause ❤️ Very proud of you. Good luck with all your 12 dips. Mam

52.22

Maria Higgins

52.22

Nic Whelan

Delighted to have another headcase who enjoys freezing your toes off in the family, good luck!!

52.22

Sinead Whelan

Super proud Loz!💖 Can’t wait to see you take this on and can’t wait to join you for a dip over Christmas❤️

32.32

Sarah Kelly

Fair play Laura! 💖

26.98

Pat Mullan

26.98

Avril Anderson

Fair play Laura

26.98

Miriam Whelan

Wow, Laura, this is the first I’ve heard of your new venture and as with everything you do, I’ve no doubt you’ll be successful 👏! With love and best wishes from your very impressed and proud Nannan 💕💕💕

26.98

Ella B

Go well, and stay warm! A brave challenge for an amazing cause!

26.98

Olivia Dowling

21.86

Anonymous

21.86

Shannon Considine

Your doing so good 🥹

21.86

Síofra Murphy

Well done, Laura! xx

21.86

Kathy & Chris Roberts

Well done on your December challenge, from Chris and Kathy

21.86

Katelynn Allison

Best of luck super way to raise awareness and raise for a great cause. I’m sure I will be dragged along to join you in a few dips.. look forward to it ❤️❤️

20

Niamh Battault

Well done Laura 🤩

20

Colin Brown

20

Sophie Kelly

20

Kathleen Kelly

Well done Laura such an amazing thing to do xx

20

Geraldine Murphy

Well done to you Laura!! 😁😁 Enjoy every dip🥳🥳

11.24

Caoimhe Battault

11.24

Sean Coyle

11.24

Sandra Walsh

11.24

Jude Fay

11.24

Laura Whelan

If you don’t believe yourself first, who will! ❤️❤️

11.24

Anonymous

11.24

Anonymous

11.24

Abbie May

11.24

Emily Brooks

Greta cause well done ☺️ x

11.24

Aideen Phelan

11.24

Clódagh Geoghegan

Best of luck ❤️

11.24

Faye Noble

Best of luck Laura!! Amazing thing to do xx

11.24

Karen

Well done Laura ❤️❤️❤️

10

Eoghan Rogers

10

Veronica Gumola

5.84

Róisín Katy Cunningham