If you've ever had a migraine, you'll know just how severe the pain can be.

One woman, from Beaumaris in Anglesey, knows only too well how debilitating the severe headaches are, after suffering up to 25 of them a month for years.

Marine Biologist Beth Francis, has experienced severe headaches since she was nine and was diagnosed with chronic migraines in 2017, reports North Wales Live.

The 27-year-old University PhD student, has often found herself confined to her bed, all curtains drawn, feeling dizzy, confused and experiencing blurred vision as well as incredible pain.
Beth Francis suffered 25 migraines a month (
Image:
Vitamin Sea)

With her degree in jeopardy as she was forced to take time off, Beth knew she had to find some way to stop the migraines.

So in a bid to take control of her health, Beth and her partner Andrew Clark, 29, decided to take the plunge into the freezing sea, as they'd heard that cold water could help ease migraine symptoms.

And the pair were shocked to find that an icy swim could almost instantly stop the severe pain.

Beth explained: "We've always been outdoorsy and into nature and my condition was taking so much away from us because we were in that patient and carer role constantly.
But she and her partner Andrew found a free way to stop the pain (
Image:
Vitamin Sea)

"So in October 2017, we both did a little bit of research about cold water swimming and being active around the cold water and that's when we decided to try it.

"About a minute after getting into the water, the pain dropped to zero. I was in shock and amazement. It was a big surprise."

She continued: "I wasn't expecting it to completely take the pain away, it was such a relief and it's been totally lifechanging."

Beth continues to take medication for her migraines but says the attacks have since dropped from 25 times a month to 15.
They called it 100 Days of Vitamin Sea and people from all over the world joined in (
Image:
Vitamin Sea)

Following the incredible results, Beth's filmmaker boyfriend began filming their experiences in the freezing sea as part of a project named 100 Days of Vitamin Sea.

They documented each dip in the cold water to share their findings with others, and their research has now gone international, earning them an accolade for patient-led action at the WEGO Health Awards.

The couple's 100th swim took place on April 7, when they were joined by swimmers from all around the world at Llanddona beach to mark the occassion.

"The water is more effective than any medication I've ever tried," added Beth. "I could be crying my eyes out going into the water because of the pain, but I'd be coming out with a smile on my face."
Beth was "amazed" at how much the cold water helped her (
Image:
Vitamin Sea)

What you need to know before swimming in cold water (NHS)

  • Outdoor swimming in cold water saps your body heat, so your arms and legs get weaker. If this happens, you could get into trouble if you're unable to get out of the water.
  • Shivering and teeth chattering are the first symptoms of hypothermia. If that happens, get out of the water and warm up.

If you're not used to swimming in cold water:

  • Wear a wetsuit for anything more than a quick dip .
  • Don't jump into cold water - wade in slowly instead.
  • Swim close to the shore.
  • Take warm clothes to put on afterwards - even in summer you'll feel colder when you get out.

  • Take extra care in reservoirs, which are deeper and colder than lakes and rivers.