THREE sisters and their brave mum will be plunging into the icy Welsh waters next month to raise money for a charity close to their heart.

Melanie Hayes, from St Davids, Julia Vaz Martins, based in Liverpool, and Michelle Walker, who lives in Plymouth, as well as mum Lorraine Webb will all be taking part in the Polar Bear Plunge in Solva Harbour.

The trio are raising money for Shine, a charity which supports more than 12,000 people across the UK who have spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.

Melanie has spina bifida herself and is a support development worker for the Shine charity.

Shine provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff, enabling people to get the best out of life.

Melanie persuaded her sisters to take part in the event on a hot sunny day in August.

"I forgot to mention that it involved jumping into the picturesque Solva harbour without wetsuits in not so sunny December, at night on the rise of the winter solstice full moon," she said. "But a promise is a promise and they can't back out now."

Julia said: "This is another fine mess my sister has got me into. Growing up with Mel is a unique experience. She's always coming up with crazy ideas. I am already feeling cold just thinking about it."

Michelle added:" Nothing has ever held my sister back. I thought if my big sister can do this challenge then so can I."

The event will be held in Solva harbour on December 22

The three sisters and their mum will take the plunge on December 22. They are hoping to raise awareness of spina bifida and funds for Shine.

To sponsor them, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/melanie-hayes7