Mayor Minford returns to the sea for charity challenge
Tuesday 31 March 2026
Mid and East Antrim Mayor, Councillor Jackson Minford, has once again braved the chilly waters at Ballygally Beach, in support of his chosen charities – Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and the NI Children’s Hospice.
After a successful first cold water swim last November, the Mayor returned to the sea to do it all over again with colleagues and friends. He was also joined not only by the Salty Sea Boppers, but also fellow cold-water swimming groups - The Goonies from Whitehead and the Carrickfergus Bluetits, for another refreshing morning by the coast.
The group gathered early at Ballygally Beach, where there was plenty of laughter, encouragement and community spirit as swimmers took to the water together.
The Mayor also expressed his thanks to the Rotary Club of Ballymena, who generously supported the event with a £100 sponsorship donation.
Speaking after the swim, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said “I’m starting to think this is becoming a habit. Some people ease into the day with a cup of tea – I seem to prefer a plunge into the Irish Sea!
“Once again, the welcome from everyone at Ballygally was fantastic. There’s such a great sense of camaraderie among the sea swim community. It was wonderful to be part of that again to raise awareness for two charities that mean a great deal to me.
“Cold water swimming certainly wakes you up, but it is also a great way to bring people together.”
Joanne from the Salty Sea Boppers added “We were absolutely delighted to welcome the Mayor back for another dip! It’s all about having a bit of fun, supporting each other and raising money for great causes. The more the merrier, and it was fantastic to have the local groups join us this time – it really shows the strength of the sea swimming community across the area.”
The event raised a fantastic total of just over £350 for the Mayor’s chosen charities.
Following the swim, everyone warmed up with hot drinks and refreshments kindly provided by Ballygally Castle Hotel, while sharing stories from the water and celebrating another successful charity dip.
For more information on supporting Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke and the NI Children’s Hospice please visit the Mayor's Charity webpage.