insideKENT Magazine Issue 25 - April 2014 | Page 147

CHARITY FUNDRAISERS MAKE A SPLASH FOR KENT CHILDRENÕS CHARITY Team Catapult - Deborah Lowe, Mike Prime and Rachel Lowe Emily Howell Broadcaster, Ian Palmer On 15th February, crowds descended on the icy outdoor pool at St Julian’s Club, Sevenoaks, as a daring bunch of 35 supporters plunged into the freezing water for chYps Children’s Hospice at Home's annual sponsored Chilli Dip challenge. First up to take the plunge were seven members of the Sevenoaks Sharks Water Polo Team, who in total raised more than £2,000 in sponsorship for the Kent-based charity. They were counted in by TV news presenter Ian Palmer from Langton Green, who dived in straight after to join them for a quick game of water polo. The arctic conditions failed to give anyone cold feet as the dippers took it in turns to plunge into the icy pool, and swim as many lengths as they could manage. Kind-hearted chYps ambassador Rachel Lowe from Cowden-based business Catapult Sales Consultancy, asked for sponsorship instead of presents as she dived in dressed as a chilli the day before her 46th birthday. She took on the challenge alongside business partner and fellow chYps ambassador Mike Prime and her sister Deborah Lowe. Rachel said: “We wanted to do the Chilli Dip because chYps is such a phenomenal charity. I couldn’t do what their incredible nurses do, but what I can do is raise money to help pay for care. The water was absolutely freezing, so we all had a shock when we got in. But we had such a fun time and we soon warmed up when we got out of the pool." Bexley mum-of-two, Emily Howell, managed to swim an incredible 11 lengths. She said: “As soon as I dived in the impact of the freezing water took my breath away, and I struggled to swim. I managed 11 lengths and despite it being really cold, I actually really enjoyed myself. I’m also chuffed that I’ve raised nearly £500 for such 147 an amazing local charity. I would encourage everyone to do it next year.” The dippers, who were cheered on by more than 100 spectators, were rewarded with a bowl of steaming hot chilli and rice to help them thaw out after their swim, whilst enjoying entertainment from DJ Tony Durrant. They were also warmed by the knowledge that they had collectively raised more than £5,000. This money will help chYps to deliver vital end-of-life, cancer and respite care to seriously ill babies, children and young adults in the comfort of their own homes across Kent. The chYps Chilli Dip will be returning in 2015. If you would like to take part in the dip or another fundraising challenge, please contact [email protected] or call 01322 221315. www.chyps.org