Taking the plunge for charity
More than 200 join in for BUYMSH
They came, they saw, they conquered.
On a chilly day at the seaside, more than 200 hardy souls plunged into Ayrshire’s icy waters.
In the week it was announced that Prestwick’s Malcolm Sargent House would be sold for sheltered housing, the public produced a resounding response.
And the charity tasked with building a new home for sick kids are better off to the tune of £ 12,000.
The Valentine’s Dip, organised by the BUYMSH committee, was hailed as a huge success following Sunday’s splash.
It follows on from the long established Boxing Day Dip, first organised by MSH volunteer Eileen Granger more than a decade ago.
Now the hard work continues to replace the much- loved house which, as we revealed last week, will be bulldozed for 60 flats.
The charity’s Maxine Allan said: “We were blown away by the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by everyone on Sunday.
“To see more than 200 people running into the sea – plus a huge number of people coming down to cheer us on – meant the world to everyone.”
Individuals and groups lined up to take part in the big event, including Central Ayrshire MP Philippa Whitford.
And Councillor John Wallace, who helped raise £ 471 with the Prestwick branch of the SNP, joked: “It certainly wasn’t for the fainthearted.”
There was a top show of musical entertainment after the dip featuring guitar maestro Just Like Eddie in the RAFA Club.
Organisers hope to reestablish the event on Boxing Day this year as they push towards the building of their new base.
Turn to pages 38- 39 for more pictures