Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, took part in a cold water swim at Ballygally Beach to support Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and NI Children’s Hospice. The event marked his second such swim, following one last November.

Swimmers gathered early at the beach. The Mayor joined colleagues, friends, and members of local groups including the Salty Sea Boppers, The Goonies from Whitehead, and the Carrickfergus Bluetits. They entered the Irish Sea together.

The Rotary Club of Ballymena gave a £100 sponsorship donation. The swim raised just over £350 for the charities.

Afterwards, participants received hot drinks and refreshments from Ballygally Castle Hotel. The Mayor noted that cold water swimming helps people connect. Joanne from the Salty Sea Boppers said the event showed the strength of the local sea swimming community.