A GROUP of dedicated fundraisers braved the elements and took part in a cold water dip to support a Ukrainian charity.
Members of the Southampton Ukrainian Support Group gathered at Goatee Beach in Eling on Saturday morning to enjoy a wild swim.
The group, made up of mostly wild dip novices, arrived at 10am and donned yellow and blue outfits to represent Ukraine.
READ MORE: Ukrainian refugees welcomed to Southampton with open arms
They have raised more than £300 for the group which aims to support those who have fled war-torn Ukraine.
Despite the biting cold and pouring rain, the group entered the sea with beaming smiles and a chorus of laughter.
Spent the morning with the Southampton Ukrainian Support Group at Goatee Beach today for their sponsored wild swim 🥰🥶 pic.twitter.com/XTFDSvoCAy
— Emily Liddell (@em_liddell) April 1, 2023
Francis Anne Heather, from Shirley, is a member of the Southampton Ukrainian Support Group.
She organised the wild swim after spending more time taking part in cold water dipping.
Francis is disabled and uses a walking stick to help stay balanced.
She said she was worried about trying cold water dipping as she wasn't sure how she would manage on the slippery rocks.
READ MORE: Ukrainian refugees tell their stories at demonstration
She said: "We decided to do it as a fundraiser after several people from the group took interest in my cold water dips I share on Facebook.
"I run a mental health group and cold water swimming is incredibly good for your mental health.
"We decided to go for April 1 as it's April Fool's Day, we thought that was fitting.
"It's also still quite cold so it's still challenging.
"So far we have raised £345 for the group.
"All of this money will go to help continue the support group.
"It's been very muddy and very cold, but everyone has had a good time."
The Southampton Ukrainian Support Group was launched in April last year with a special event welcoming Ukrainian families into the city.
They are hosting a Eurovision Song Contest party on May 13 at the Edmund Kell Unitarian Church on Bellevue Road.
The event is free but party-goers must have a ticket.
They will be hosting a raffle to raise funds for the group.
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