Braving cold to raise money for Heart Kids New Zealand

Splashing about in a pool of icy cold water are the Naughty Nemos (from left), Pip Stewart, Alison Meldrum, Matt McDonald, Bernie James and Bhavya Rajan, at the Heart Kids New Zealand "Heart Stopper Challenge" at the Olympic Gym, in Mosgiel, yesterday.

Participants attempted to brave the cold water for about five minutes, as part of a national fundraising effort this month for children with heart conditions.

By yesterday evening, the charity had raised nearly $52,000 around the country.

Pip Stewart, representing the Naughty Nemos, said she and her team had selected fun and water-themed costumes in which to take the plunge.

Ms Stewart said she had done the event once before and her strategy was to sit on her feet.

"You feel everything and then you can’t feel a thing."

Once waist-deep in the water, Ms Stewart said she felt "fabulous".