Caithness fundraising swimmers are on course to complete 100 dips in 100 days
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A fundraising challenge undertaken by two Castletown women is about to come to an end after more than three months.
Claire Mcgovern and Amy Sutherland wanted to take 100 dips in 100 days to raise money for two deserving charities.
They were inspired by the late Captain Tom Moore, who walked 100 laps around his garden to thank the heroes of the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic. The 100-year-old inspired millions around the world and raised £38.9 million.
Claire and Amy decided to swim on 100 consecutive days to raise money for the Captain Tom Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support. They started their challenge on April 30 and are due to complete it on Saturday.
Claire said: "We have dipped every day, met loads of new people and had a swim in many different locations both here in Caithness and further south.
"In one way it will be a relief to finish, as the pressure will be off, but we will still keep swimming. It has been quite exhilarating and helped bring people together at a difficult time with the coronavirus. It has been enjoyable. You get in the sea and everything just goes – it's an escape."
Claire, Amy and the others who joined in their swims along the way have raised over £1100 so far.
"We were hoping to reach £1000 but we are over that now. To achieve more than our target is absolutely amazing," Claire said.
"We would like to thank everyone who has followed our journey and supported us both in person and via social media. The all-important donations folk have made will really make a difference to our chosen charities."
The pair reached the halfway stage of their endeavour on June 18. At that time, Claire said all charities had "a real knock to their funds" due to restrictions.
She added: "We have really embraced the challenge dipping solo, together and with like-minded folk along the way and have been in the sea and some lochs so far. It has been going well, although when we started the weather was poor but we motivated each other.
"Getting in the water is so good for your mental health and wellbeing and really lifts your mood. It makes you feel alive."
Anyone who would like to donate can do so at this link.
