Bereaved father raises almost £2K to help others

'Swim Against Suicide Isle of Man' generates funds for five charities

Almost £2,000 has been raised by a bereaved father for a charity which supports other people who have experienced loss.

David Higson’s ‘Swim Against Suicide Isle of Man’ saw him, and friend Marc ‘Paddy’ Purcell, swim 83 miles in 25 separate legs around the Island.

They collected £1,827.79 for Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man.

The duo were joined on the various legs - between May 2022 and August this year - by other swimmers also raising money for charity with donations topping £9,000 split between four other charities.

David said: “I’ve always swam but the event has pushed me out of my comfort zone.

“The swim was in memory of my son Martin but also hoping that one day we will stamp out suicide.

“I have been involved with the Public Health Strategy for Suicide Prevention and am part of the new charity Isle Stand Up to Suicide.”

Cruse Chief Executive Mary Doyle said: “We are very grateful to David and Paddy for all their efforts, David continues to work with Cruse as a much-valued bereavement volunteer too."