A group of local water enthusiasts took to the cold waters under Glenariff’s waterfalls on what was a brisk November morning in a bid to raise funds for the charity Bravehearts NI.
Organised by Ballymena man Darren McGinty, the swimmers took the plunge at the popular County Antrim beauty spot yesterday morning, Sunday 29 November, and raised a brilliant £480.
Bravehearts NI is Northern Ireland’s only charity supporting the needs of our teenagers and young adults with Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD).
The charity has grown from the strong volunteer ethos of HeartbeatNI who are also a local volunteer charity who support families with children with congenital heart disease.
Congenital Heart Disease is one of the most common types of birth defect, affecting up to 9 in every 1,000 babies born in the UK.
Currently the ACHD team in the RVH care for 5,000 patients annually and this demographic group is growing due to advancements in medical science, enabling many to live well into adulthood.
Bravehearts NI is largely run by the Bravehearts themselves with both dedication and pride. Everyone is a volunteer.
To find out more about the charity and to offer your support, please visit: