Mayor Minford returns to the sea as Ballygally charity swim raises over £350
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
“On the drive to Ballygally it was snowing and
0°C. In Ballygally thankfully the sun shone and we all had great fun. Like some others, I got wiped out with one large wave!” – Cllr Minford
Mid and East Antrim’s Mayor has once again taken the plunge for charity, returning to the chilly waters of Ballygally Beach for a community sea swim that raised more than £350 for two vital causes.
Councillor Jackson Minford braved the Irish Sea for the second time in support of his chosen mayoral charities, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and NI Children’s Hospice, drawing swimmers, supporters and local groups together for a refreshing morning filled with warmth, laughter and generosity.
The event followed the success of the Mayor’s first cold-water swim last November, with this latest dip building on that momentum and once again highlighting the strong community spirit across Mid and East Antrim.
Community spirit shines on the coast
Making waves for a great cause - the sea swimming community coming together for the Mayor's Charity Swim.
Swimmers gathered early at Ballygally Beach as the Mayor was joined by colleagues, friends and several well-known local sea swimming groups.
Alongside the Salty Sea Boppers, the event also welcomed fellow cold-water swimmers The Goonies from Whitehead and the Carrickfergus Bluetits, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere on the shoreline before everyone headed into the water together.
There was no shortage of encouragement as the groups took to the sea, with plenty of smiles and shared determination despite the cold conditions
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford pictured with Councillor Aaron Skinner showing true dedication in support of the Mayor's Charity Swim.
Councillor Aaron Skinner smiling in the waves.
Speaking after the swim, Councillor Minford said:
“I’m starting to think this is becoming a habit. Some people ease into the day with a cup of tea – I seem to prefer a plunge into the Irish Sea!
“Once again, the welcome from everyone at Ballygally was fantastic. There’s such a great sense of camaraderie among the sea swim community. It was wonderful to be part of that again to raise awareness for two charities that mean a great deal to me.
“Cold water swimming certainly wakes you up, but it is also a great way to bring people together.”
Knee-deep and loving every minute as swimmers take on the water for a fantastic cause!
Smiles and laughter all round - amazing spirit at the Mayor's Charity Swim!
That sense of togetherness was echoed by Joanne from the Salty Sea Boppers, who said:
“We were absolutely delighted to welcome the Mayor back for another dip! It’s all about having a bit of fun, supporting each other and raising money for great causes.
“The more the merrier, and it was fantastic to have the local groups join us this time – it really shows the strength of the sea swimming community across the area.”
Support for two important charities
The charity challenge raised just over £350, with proceeds going towards the Mayor’s chosen causes.
The Rotary Club of Ballymena also lent its support, making a generous £100 sponsorship donation towards the fundraising effort.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, councillor Jackson Minford with members of the local community who were delighted to enjoy the hospitality of Ballygally Castle Hotel after their cold morning dip.
After the swim, participants warmed up with hot drinks and refreshments kindly provided by Ballygally Castle Hotel, rounding off the morning by sharing stories from the water and celebrating another successful fundraiser.
For the Ballymena and wider Mid and East Antrim community, the event was another reminder of how local people continue to rally behind important causes while turning even the coldest morning into something uplifting.
Further information on supporting the Mayor’s charities is available at:
At a glance
Mayor Jackson Minford returned to Ballygally Beach for a second charity sea swim
The event supported Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and NI Children’s Hospice
Local swimming groups joined the challenge, including the Salty Sea Boppers
More than £350 was raised
The Rotary Club of Ballymena donated £100
Refreshments were provided afterwards by Ballygally Castle Hotel
The event highlighted strong community spirit across Mid and East Antrim