Santa Splash to support CHS

Fancy taking an icy dip into the Atlantic Ocean this Sunday, December 20, for a very worthwhile charity?

It’s nearly time to search out the swimming costume and santa hat and brave the Atlantic Ocean for this year’s Santa Splash.

Now in its seventh year, this event continues to grow and it has become an established fixture for the local community in the build up to Christmas.

Last year over 350 brave folk entered the water, raising over £6,600 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

This year’s chosen charity is NI Chest Heart and Stroke.

The charity promotes research carried out in Northern Ireland into the areas of chest, heart and stroke illness.

They also provide a self management programme enabling people to take responsibility for managing their own condition.

Each year in Northern Ireland more than 7,000 people die from chest disease, heart disease and stroke: that’s 50% of all adult deaths. Scarcely a family in our community has not been affected.

“We are delighted that this year’s Santa Splash has chosen to support the work that NI Chest Heart and Stroke do in Northern Ireland and are looking forward to the event,” said Valerie Saunders, Community Fundraising Co-ordinator.

Once again 55 North are supporting the event by offering well deserved refreshments for those who take part in the Splash.

Singer Shamie Heaney will be providing festive entertainment on the patio throughout the afternoon.

For those who choose to take part or just to spectate this event offers a great opportunity to meet up with friends and family before Christmas.

“We are happy to continue to support this excellent event,” said Gwynne Fletcher of 55 North.

“It allows the community to support another local charity as well as raising the profile of the great work that NICHS do in Northern Ireland.”

So, what are you waiting for - grab your santa hat, swimming gear and join the others at the Arcadia this Sunday.

The fun begins at 1pm.

And even if you are not taking a dip, come along and support the charity, and cheer on the others!