Swimmers get ready for the Xmas plunge

SWIMMERS will once again brave chilly seas and take the plunge at charity events on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

First of the annual festive season swims is a Creditwest Bank-sponsored event at the Acapulco resort in Çatalköy, which begins at 10am on Christmas Day. This year, two TRNC charities will benefit from sponsorships and donations: the Kemal Saraçoğlu Foundation for Children With Leukaemia and the Fight Against Cancer and the Help Those With Cancer Association (Tulips).

Last year, 17 hardy swimmers, along with their supporters, raised 13,775TL for the Kemal Saraçoğlu Foundation while being cheered on by a crowd of some 50 spectators. Sponsorships can be placed by contacting organisers Barbara and Graham Fursman on 0533 836 3972 or by directly donating into the Creditwest Bank account, number 31-3003803.

“We currently have around 15 people who have signed up to do the swim and we are hoping for a few more, along with a large crowd to make it a successful day again for two very worthy causes,” said Mrs Fursman.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and they can also donate via a collection box which we will have ready.”

Meanwhile, the Tulips “Chilly Dippers” will brave cold waters off Lapta’s Fly Inn beach for a minimum of 10 minutes at 11am on New Year’s Eve. The same event last year raised a record 17,180TL for the charity. Sponsorship forms are available at the bar or from organiser Jackie Pennington on 0533 872 3237.

“We will again have warm soup, bread rolls and mulled wine to enjoy after the dip and are asking people to come along — if not to take a dip then to have fun with those who will be cheering the swimmers,” said Ms Pennington.