North Ayrshire Foodbank gets £18,000 boost from Grey Dippers

The incredible group of nine locals known as The Grey Dippers have been out in force - wind, rain or shine - since November 1 to show support, and raise cash, for the North Ayrshire Foodbank.

They have completed a cumulative 364 dips in that time - blowing their target of 275 "out of the water".

Lee Riddex, Tam Kane, James McLeod, James Booth, Colin Booth, Gordon Woods, Joe Smith, Tony Clarke, and David Kane braved the "baltic" waters for the final time in Ardrossan on Boxing Day - with hundreds of locals turning out to show their support for the cause, and dozens venturing into the water themselves, at what's become known as 'Dippers' Point' on the South Beach shore.

At the time of their final dip on Tuesday, they'd raised a remarkable £17,742.45 this year alone - with more still to come in before their online fund-raiser closes on the evening of Wednesday, December 28.

The group were even boosted by a donation from a local football star with Chelsea attacker Erin Cuthbert donating £1,000 towards the cause on Christmas Day.

After the Grey Dippers' superb efforts in 2022, it means the group have now raised well in excess of £43,000 for the local food bank.

Following their final effort - for now at least - the group gave a massive thank you to all who made it possible.

A spokesperson said: "This community never fails to amaze us with the generosity, amazing turnout today again as we draw this years fundraising to a close with the big Boxing Day Dip!

"We handed over a cheque for almost £18k which coupled with last year's efforts takes the total to way over £43k, which we are certain helps the North Ayrshire Foodbank out immensely.

"We can only thank each and every person for the support and donations, it makes it all worthwhile.

"We now settle down for some family time with full hearts and a proud smile on our face."

For anyone wishing to make a donation, the group's fundraising page is available at tinyurl.com/thegreydippers.