A £10,000 fundraising target looks assured following the success of Kirriemuir’s 25th anniversary Splash relay swim on Saturday.
The funds raised totalled more than £9,000 on the day with more money still to come in, which will again be sent by the committee to good causes.
Splash is organised by a volunteer committee of eight people representing local churches St Andrew’s, St Anthony’s, St Mary’s and Glens and Old Parish.
The 25th anniversary relay swim drew crowds of supporters who cheered the hundreds of sponsored swimmers at Webster’s leisure pool in the town.
An exciting and determined attempt by the modestly named Tay Masters of the Universe won the coveted Splash Shield, but did not quite break the outright distance record.
Spectators enjoyed the lively poolside commentary by the inimitable John Neeson formerly of Northmuir Primary and now head of St Vincent’s Primary, Dundee.
Safety cover was provided by Kirriemuir Leisure Centre’s professional lifeguard team who also performed in the swim.
Every swimmer received a personal certificate recording their team’s performance, and trophies were presented by Iain Gaul, leader of Angus Council, to competing schools, community and club teams.
A spokesman said: “A huge vote of thanks is due to all our sponsors, the ever-reliable Angus folk for both swimming in the event and giving so much of their hard-earned cash to support Splash yet again.
“Not least, our thanks to the eight volunteers of the Splash committee and helpers on the day who once again worked hard to field this year’s successful event and to Councillor Iain Gaul, leader of Angus Council, who kindly devoted his time to present the various Splash trophies.”
More than 30 Angus firms funded Splash as lane sponsors donating a record £3,100 this year. Sponsors were mostly Kirriemuir and Forfar firms, although there were other generous rural donations and even one from Dundee. To date, Splash has raised £180,000.
Charities for direct funding in 2014 include Erskine Scotland, Pelotas Children’s Home Brazil, Special Olympics, Alzheimers Scotland (Angus), Operacion San Andres Peru, Edinburgh Sick Kids, Children’s Diabetes Aberdeen, KIVA Loans, Sightsavers West Africa and Christian Aid.