McCarthy Stone Women’s Network take the plunge!

Ten fantastic fundraisers came from across the region to have a dip in Hinchingbrooke lake and raise money for Peterborough Women’s Aid.

To celebrate International Women’s Day Gwen Tack, Wendy Knight and eight of their colleagues from the Women in McCarthy Stone Network decided to brave the chilly waters of the lake, hoping to raise £1,000 in the process. And that lake really was chilly!

But that did not stop Wendy Knight from Elm Tree Court, Huntingdon, Helen Lowes from Century Court, Nottingham, Elizabeth Smilyk from Lonsdale Park, Oakham, Mel Jennings from Saxon Gardens, Oakham, Ruth Wardle from Stukeley Court, Stamford, Jackie Lawrence, Catherine Place and Pine Gardens from Melton Mowbray, Sue Kirby, Avalon Court, Lincoln, Gemma Trowbridge, Divisional Director of Operations – Midlands and Jemma Roberts, Operation Manager from donning their wetsuits, pulling down their woolly hats and running straight in!

Amanda Geraghty, CEO of Peterborough Women’s Aid said

“On a cold International Women’s Day it was fantastic to see a group of women taking the plunge and raising money to support families in our services.”

But it wasn’t until this week that we found out that these wonderful ladies had smashed through their original target of £1,000. They have in fact raised the magnificent sum £2,793.75 (including Gift Aid)!

Amanda goes on to say

“I would like to thank the team at McCarthy Stone for raising such a large sum for Peterborough Women’s Aid. I would especially like to thank Gwen and Wendy for organising the event. We are amazed at the total amount and are so grateful to this inspiring bunch of women!

Every single penny of the money raised will go towards supporting our families and women in need in our community.”

The dip was one of seven sea dips held across the country for the McCarthy Stone Foundation, and the ladies also raised £100 that will support grassroots charities working to alleviate loneliness and isolation for people in later life.