Saturday 14th September saw 30 friends and neighbours of the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke “Take the Plunge” into the murky waters of the Portishead Marina. The MS Therapy Centre is a charity that supports people living any neurological conditions including MS by providing therapies and vital support in a friendly and professional environment.
“Take The Plunge” is supported by the charity Newfound Friends, who provide participants with the unique opportunity of being rescued by one of their incredible Newfoundland dogs. Newfound Friends and their members gladly sacrifice their time and expertise at no cost to the MS Therapy Centre, ensuring all funds raised goes directly to the Centre.
Taking part in the event were several members of the Centre, who are each living with a neurological condition. Rhona Murdoch, a member at the Centre explained:
“For a person jumping into the water with a neurological condition, it is not as simple as jump, splash, dog rescue. Cold water can cause your central nervous system to react adversely and go into a form of shock taking several days for a person to recover. It is absolutely amazing what other members will do to themselves for the Centre”.
Amongst the supporters taking the plunge were staff and pupils of Wheatfield Primary, Meadowbrook Primary and Bradley Stoke Community School. The youngest jumper, River Wingate, aged 10, a member of Bradley Stoke Gym Club, won the prize for Best Entry into the water with her split jump.
Take the Plunge is an annual event and next year it’s set to be even bigger as the MS Therapy Centre will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. If you are inspired and would like to help the Centre make an even bigger splash by taking “the Plunge” next year, please get in touch by emailing community@thebrightwell.org.uk
• See more photos from the event on Facebook
