Celebrities join hundreds for WWF charity event on Stoke Newington’s reservoir

Strictly Come Dancing Star Jo Wood was amongst hundreds of swimmers, kayakers and stand-up paddle-boarders who braved the depths of Stoke Newington West Reservoir yesterday, raising awareness of the threat to our rivers and seas.

BBC Presenter Paul Rose and triple round-the-world sailor Conrad Humphreys also took part in the mile-long challenge called the Blue Mile, to raise funds for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) charity.

The ex-wife of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Jo - a former model and now organic entrepreneur - completed the race on a kayak.

“Our beautiful blue planet is being threatened,” she said.

“Marine and freshwater habitats are being challenged every day by the serious issues of pollution and climate change.

“WWF’s Blue Mile is the perfect opportunity for us to take on a challenge ourselves and enjoy our seas, rivers, lakes and waterways, whilst doing something pretty unique to help preserve them,” added Ms Wood, who partnered Brendan Cole in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.

One of the world’s largest independent conservation organisations, WWF celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Visit www.wwf.org.uk to find out more.