The Elsie Normington Foundation challenged locals to swim in the wild in September to raise money for the Haven Appeal.

The charity harnessed the popularity of wild swimming to create a fundraiser that saw people take to the sea or the lochs to complete their swims.

Participants could swim as little or as often as they liked, while also building support and collecting donations. The ages of those affected ranged from eight to 75 years old.

Roma Flannigan (54), an assistant from Inverness, participated with Sarah Matheson (20) from Muir of Ord whom she helps look after. Sarah was keen to raise money for the play center. Sarah suffers from a severe and complex epilepsy syndrome.

The pair raised £ 1,000.

Community fundraiser Rona Matheson said, “People have been so generous. Locally and even in Argyll, I was joined by swimmers who encouraged funds for the center.

The money will go to the Haven Center – Scotland’s first multi-purpose center that will provide support for children and young adults with severe learning disabilities.

It will house a café, a playground, accommodation, meeting rooms, a garden and office space.

The foundation secured a site in Smithton to begin construction.

Financial boost for Haven

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