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North-east Woman Takes On Loony Dook For CLAN

Fiona-Fernie-01

A north-east woman is urging others to take on their own challenge for charity in 2018 after taking to the icy waters of the Firth of Forth on New Year’s Day in aid of a leading north-east cancer support charity.

Fiona Fernie, from Newmachar, and husband Steve took part in the annual Loony Dook as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, dashing into the sea which was around 5 degrees in front of family and friends in aid of CLAN Cancer Support on Monday (1st January).

Fiona, Head of Income Generation and Business Development for the Aberdeen-headquartered organisation, took on the challenge after seeing first-hand the difference CLAN’s services can make to individuals and families affected by cancer.

Fiona said: “Each day I am fortunate to see how valued every penny raised for CLAN is, and how it contributes to the continued services we provide for our clients across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. Money raised by supporters organising their own fundraising activity on CLAN’s behalf in their communities is a vital income stream on which CLAN relies heavily.

“The effects a cancer diagnosis can have on an entire family can be wide reaching. To have an organisation on our doorstep which provides support to not only the person affected by cancer but their family and friendship network is so important to people living in remote and rural communities.

“Steve and I wanted to start 2018 on a high note and completing a challenge, raising money for CLAN in the process, was something we were both keen to do. I must admit, standing on the pier beside the Forth Rail Bridge, in only a swimsuit and CLAN t-shirt I did wonder what we had signed up for. However, the camaraderie of everyone taking part and knowing that we were helping to support CLAN’s services spurred us on.”

To date, the couple has raised over £300. To add to their total, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-fernie1 .

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead,Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

The Loony Dook is an annual event held on New Year’s Day in which people dive into freezing waters of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, often in fancy dress.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call 01224 647000, or visit www.clanhouse.org

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