Community thanked after ‘30 dips in 30 days’ raises hundreds for cancer charity in memory of Stephen

Over £1100 was raised in memory of Stephen Larkin.

Sharon Pollock-Wilson took part in Cancer Research UK’s ‘30 dips in 30 days’ challenge in November as a tribute to the late Stephen Larkin.

The venture saw Sharon, who owns a barber shop in the town centre, take a daily dip throughout the month of November in locations ranging from Lough Neagh and Gleno waterfall to Ballycastle beach and the waters around Carrickfergus Castle.

The local woman has thanked all those who supported the challenge, which has raised over £1100.

“My dear friend Stephen sadly lost his battle with cancer in October after a very valiant fight,” Sharon said. “He was always such a cheery fella and never came into my shop empty handed nor without a story for me on how life was with him and his family. He was the owner of a company called White Star Momentoes, which sadly ceased to exist after his passing.

“Up until then he was still working with the help of his darling partner Lynda, who was by his side until the very end. She was his rock and I loved hearing what adventures he had planned for them. Stephen wasn’t just a customer, he was a special friend. I feel blessed to have known him and Lynda.

“I just want to say a massive thank you for all the support I received, from those who dipped with me, supplied flasks and water bottles, food, hugs and especially to my husband William, a cancer survivor who encouraged me while I struggled with my Covid booster vaccine for three of the days,” she added.

Sharon has raised funds for a nominated charity every Christmas for several years, including Lighthouse Suicide Awareness, Macmillan Cancer Support, BHF, Dementia UK, and NI Children’s Hospice.

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