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