Our History
The founder of Into the Blue Ellie Ricketts has worked as a Macmillan Professional for 12 years, providing counselling in a Southwest cancer support centre to patients and their carers at all stages of the cancer pathway.
As a therapist she holds a deep understanding of the multitudinous impact of cancer, affecting not just the physical self, but identity, relationships, body image and confidence, long after treatment ends. As a lifelong outdoor swimmer, she understood the power of regular immersion in cold water as part of a community in offering a formidable antidote to low mood, isolation, anxiety, trauma and pain.
Conceiving Into the Blue was an innovative response to a national burgeoning interest in outdoor swimming and wider understanding about its impact on mind and body. Working with Macmillan and oncology colleagues, Ellie launched Into the Blue in 2023 and has run courses ever since. The charity has expanded from offering courses to individuals with a cancer diagnosis, to included separate groups for people who care for someone with cancer, and healthcare professionals working to support cancer patients.
Ellie was awarded the Excellence in Innovation Award for her work by Macmillan in 2024.
