A sea dip in memory of a much-loved friend has raised £1000 for charity.
Seven hardy swimmers took part in the leap at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, which was held in memory of Daniel Lloyd.
Mr Lloyd, 42, from Morpeth, who grew up in Newbiggin, was killed in an accident with a falling tree at Stocksfield in March 2014. The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) flew him to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary where he sadly later died from his injuries.
The annual New Year’s Day dip supported GNAAS.
Gordon Lennox, David Cochrane, Dale Eastlake, Sian Durrant, Keith Moon and Robert Allport all braved the icy waters and raised sponsorship for their efforts. Daniel’s younger brother, Jason Lloyd, also joined them on the day.
Mr Lennox, 42, from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, said: “Dan was a larger than life character who is greatly missed by a wide variety of people. None more so than his little lad Pete, his wife Joy, mother Val and brother Jason. I’m sure, having known him for 30 years that he would have been extremely proud to see the money raised on his behalf.”
Mr Cochrane, 42, from North Seaton, said: “Every year, we take the plunge for a charity close to our hearts. This year, it seemed fitting that we supported GNAAS. It is an absolutely essential service, especially for people in remote places who need help fast.”
Mr Lloyd’s widow, Joy, has also organised an event at the Waterford Lodge in Morpeth on his birthday, January 17. There will be live music and food with more than 150 people expected to attend. It starts at 7:30pm and tickets are £5 on the door.
Mrs Lloyd also plans to skydive this month to raise even more funds for the cause.
Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS, said: “We are so grateful to Daniel’s family and friends who have come together and raised this fantastic amount of money. I know that they have plans to continue their support to the charity and we are delighted that their fundraising will keep our aircraft up in the sky.”
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