A woman who has multiple sclerosis is to plunge into the sea to raise money

Suzy Holland, who lives in Peel, says she is well aware how valuable the support of the ’dippers’ and their sponsors is.

’Every year I say I might do it but chicken out at the last minute,’ Suzy said.

’I haven’t even dipped a toe in the Irish Sea since the turn of the century, and to be honest, I feel a bit guilty that I’ve been a recipient of the money raised but couldn’t even bothered to take part myself.

Suzy says she considers herself one of the lucky ones.

She has relapsing/remitting Multiple Sclerosis, which is kept under control by one of the many drugs now available, regular Pilates sessions and by self-managing her MS-related fatigue.

’There are so many people on the island who are much more affected by their MS than I am, and the MS Society caters for all of us,’ she said.

’It provides practical and emotional support, exercise classes, which encourage independence and improve mobility, and coffee mornings, lunches and dinners which mean that people with MS and their families can get out and meet other people who know just how isolating this debilitating, incurable condition can be.’

The Peel dip was set up in 1983 to raise money for the local Multiple Sclerosis Society branch, which was then in its infancy, attracting just four ’dippers’ and raising £50.

Since then it has raised over £100,000 for local charities: the MS Society IOM, Peel RNLI, and another local cause nominated annually by the organisers, which for the 2019 dip is Rebecca House Children’s Hospice.

To stop Suzy opting out of the Peel Dip again this year, she’s going public with her fundraising efforts and has set up an online sponsorship page.

’I don’t think I’d do it without making sure it would be too embarrassing to not take part so I set myself three fundraising targets,’ she said.

’I’ve been pushing my page on social media and in just under a week, thanks to some very generous friends, I’ve already passed the first one - £100 to dip my toes in - and am well on my way to the next, £250 to paddle in up to my knees

’ But the big one is £500. If I raise that I promise I’ll swim, or at the very least get completely submerged - all in aid of three very good local causes.’

You can sponsor Suzy at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/suzy-holland.

All sponsor money raised will be passed to the Peel Dip organisers to split equally between MS Society IOM, Peel RNLI and Rebecca House.

If you’d like to take part in the Peel Dip yourself and raise money for these three causes, official sponsor forms are available from Greens Jewellers at 37 Michael Street, Peel. Phone 843974.

Many New Year’s Day dips take place around the island.

To get publicity for free in our papers, organisers should email [email protected] with details. Always include a phone number.

Or ring our reporters on 695697.