Are you ready for Santa Splash?

It's time to search out your swimming costume and dust off your Santa Hat for the annual Santa Splash at the Arcadia Beach in Portrush.

Now in its eighth year, this community event continues to grow with more and more ‘Splashers’ from all parts of Northern Ireland braving the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for another worthy charity.

This year the ‘Splashers’ have chosen to raise money for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

The Trust is a charity that is literally close to the hearts of two Arcadia Bathing Club swimmers, John and Rhonda Lynn.

“Our daughter Cora was born with a heart condition at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. I found out that Cora had supra-ventricular tachycardia as a result of a routine antenatal appointment and was then transferred to the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital under the care of the paediatric cardiac team,” said Rhonda.

“Cora spent her first few weeks in the Clarke Clinic while her condition was stabilised with medication. It was stressful having a new born in hospital in Belfast and a three year old at home but I had terrific support from family, friends and the Children’s Heartbeat Trust. They provided support, information and a listening ear while we got to grips with Cora’s condition.

“I would like to thank the Children’s Heartbeat Trust, Dr Andrew Sands and his team in The Clarke Clinic for their fantastic and ongoing support. I took part in the Santa Splash for the first time last year and loved the buzz and exhilaration of the experience. It would be great to have lots of family and friends join in the fun for such a worthwhile local charity.”

55 North are once again supporting this event by providing hot drinks and food for everyone who donates or takes the plunge. Shamie Heaney will provide top quality swing and festive music at 55 North after the Splash for everyone to enjoy. Everyone is welcome to jump in or come down and spectate.

Please meet at the Arcadia from 1pm onwards with the ‘Splash’ getting underway at 1.30pm. Donations for The Children’s Heartbeat Trust will be collected on the day. Check out the Facebook page Santa Splash 2016.

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