In 2019, Julie was diagnosed with smouldering myeloma, a type of blood cancer which affects bone marrow. While it's currently incurable, it is treatable, and after being placed on a clinical trial, Julie is now in remission and feeling well.

Selfie of Julie Eccles with the sea in the background — Julie Eccles

"My care has been marvellous under the care of my consultant Dr Hannah Hunter, her team and the Research team," she says.

Braving icy waters, Julie is now taking on a series of cold-water swims to say thank you and give back to the hospital teams that cared for her.

Finding Strength in the Sea

It was during COVID that Julie first discovered her love of sea swimming, despite never having swum out of her depth before. From 2020 to 2023, she regularly swam with her swimming buddies, Cilla and Lynda, building her strength, endurance and a deep love for the water.

Julie and her swimming buddies, Cilla Course and Lynda Messenger in front of St Michael's Mount. — Julie and her swimming buddies, Cilla Course and Lynda Messenger

She had exciting plans to swim around St Michael’s Mount and take part in the Agatha Christie Swim in 2023. Unfortunately, her health took an unexpected turn that stopped play.

"In May 2023, I was admitted to the hospital with sepsis and developed pneumonia. Thankfully, due to the care I received at Derriford, I attended my niece's wedding in Northern Ireland. My condition worsened, however.

"In August 2023, I was advised after an MRI scan that I had multiple myeloma with lesions in my spine and pelvis. Within days, I was offered treatment via a clinical trial, which I am still on, and after several rounds of chemotherapy, I had a stem cell transplant in February 2024 in Bracken Ward."

Being away from her swimming community and the sea was incredibly hard. But with the support of The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre and Chill South Devon, Julie gradually found her way back. "They helped me build my confidence to recommence sea swimming via Chill South Devon whilst I was undergoing treatment which means that I have been able to build up strength and confidence to swim longer distances, hence taking part in this challenge."

Starting with gentle dips, she steadily increased her distance. Now, she swims two to three times a week—weather permitting and always wearing swimming shoes. Now in remission, she continues immunotherapy every two weeks at Birch Ward. "The staff are phenomenal and look after everyone so patiently and make the treatment time fly by."

What Has Julie Been Up To?

Here are just a few of the incredible swims she's completed so far:

2 August: Julie completed the swim around St Michael’s Mount that she had originally booked to do back in 2023. She felt amazing afterwards: “It was a very challenging swim but beautiful conditions and a gorgeous day.”

13 August: She swam 2.4km from Noss Mayo to Cellars Beach, followed by a scenic walk back. "It was a fabulous swim, and the trek back made it a proper workout!"

Julie smiling after completing the Agatha Christie Swim, wearing swim cap and goggles on her head and her swimming suit. — After the Agatha Christie Swim

6 September: Julie took on the Agatha Christie Swim from Torquay to Meadfoot Beach. Planned as a one-mile swim, but high winds and rough waters changed the course, turning it into a bouncy 500m challenge!

25 September: She braved a very early morning swim around Burgh Island, covering 1,727m. "I swam with a lovely group—many of them part of Chill South Devon. It took 1 hour 17 minutes. A very enjoyable morning!"

And she's not done yet…

Her next challenge is the Extreme Penguin, part of the Polar Bear Challenge. Joined by Cilla and Lynda, the trio will swim 3,000 metres every month this winter (November-March), wearing just a swimming costume and shoes. No wetsuits - just pure, cold-water courage!

“I want to thank my swim buddies for all of their support throughout this journey.”

And it's all to raise vital funds for the care teams who supported her.

So far, Julie has raised an amazing £820, and she's so close to reaching her £1,000 target! Help Julie reach her target

All funds raised will be split 50% to the Mustard Tree fund & 50% to the Birch and Bracken wards.

Julie, we're so grateful for everything you're doing: your courage, your energy and your commitment to giving back. You're making waves in more ways than one. Thank you!