Cold splash raises lots of cash

LDDA - The Liberal Democrat Disability Association <info@disabilitylibdems.org.uk>

Cold splash raises lots of cash

December 27, 2007 12:00 AM

A 10-year-old boy from Devon raised £1,000 for charity by braving the elements with a Christmas morning swim.

About 50 spectators, including family, friends and holidaymakers, cheered from the shore as Jacques Andrew took the plunge off Brixham.

The money will be used to buy a braille machine for Access to Community Education (ACE), supporting physically disabled adults at Brixham College.

"It was just the coldest I've ever been," Jacques told BBC News. He added: "I really thought my feet were going to fall off, but nothing was going to stop me doing it."

After swimming in the sea for about 15 minutes, Jacques was greeted by applause and cheers and a welcoming mug of hot chocolate.

ACE spokesman Chris Wardley said: "He is a very special boy, helping us rather than sitting at home opening presents."

Samantha Andrew said she was "incredibly proud" of her son's achievement. "Some people offered to go into the water with him, but he was determined to do it on his own," she said.