Islander Ian Wallace has raised £800 for the Isle of Wight Sea Pool Project after completing his first marathon – the 2025 Southampton Marathon – inspired by his mental health journey.
In 2022, Ian was battling anxiety and depression that didn’t improve with medication. As a professional in the mental health field, he was aware of many options but found the breakthrough he needed through cold water sea swimming.
After taking the plunge in October 2022, Ian found the experience “transformational”. That first dip, supported by experienced swimmers, helped shift his mental well-being in a way nothing else had.
Ian Wallace has said:
“My first swim was transformational, I felt a rush unlike anything I had ever experienced.
“That first time sea swimming had an immediate impact on my mental health and from then on I was hooked.”
Since then, Ian has become a regular sea swimmer with Swim the Wight, crediting the activity for improving his mental health and giving him the confidence to take on a new challenge: running a marathon.
Starting with a Couch to 5K programme just 2 years ago, Ian trained for 5 months ahead of the Southampton event. His marathon journey began after spotting an advert in the city and signing up on the spot.
What began as a personal challenge has now turned into a wider mission to support community health and accessibility. He is now signed up for 3 more events – the Needles Marathon, the Isle of Wight Marathon, and a run along the Walk the Wight course – with hopes of entering ultra marathons in future.
Ian Wallace has said:
“The Isle of Wight Sea Pool Project means so much to me.
“I want everyone to be able to experience the mental health benefits of sea swimming safely. The accessibility of a tidal sea pool on the Island will bring so many benefits to the whole community. I want this pool to happen.”
Ian’s fundraising page remains open at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ian-wallace-2
