International Women's Day: 'We had mermaid, crabs, loch ness monsters, feather boas': Thousands of pounds have been raised for Edinburgh's women's charities

A wild swimming fundraiser planned by an Edinburgh writer has raised thousands of pounds for women’s charities.

Anna Deacon decided not to let coronavirus restrictions stop her International Women’s Day fundraiser, and found a nifty way to bring women together to have fun and raise money.

Tagging on Instagram with @wildswimmingstories, women from all over the country took selfies as they took the plunge into icy water, all the while raising much needed cash for their chosen women’s charity.

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Various charities in Edinburgh will be receiving a portion of almost £5,000 which was raised by locals.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for women's charitiesThousands of pounds have been raised for women's charities
Thousands of pounds have been raised for women's charities
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Anna said : "Many more women's charities across the UK benefitted from their local fundraisers too, from Shetland to Cornwall there were so many people taking part with us.

"I'm so happy that despite the restrictions and not being able to put on a large scale event like last year, we still managed to create a feeling of a fun, inclusive and friendly event, within the rules, and still raise thousands for women's charities.

"Many people rose to the dressing up challenge and we had some amazing prizes donated for the winner, Amy Gunn whose suffragette costume and tow float adorned with the words floats for all, made us laugh out loud.

"We had mermaid, crabs, loch ness monsters, feather boas, home made hats, masks and wigs and all sorts of fun!”

There is still time for people to donate to Edinburgh Rape Crisis, Edinburgh Women's Aid, Multi Cultural Family Base, and She Scotland, the charities benefitting from this fundraiser.

Anne Spiers Multi Cultural Family Base CEO said " We are absolutely delighted with the success of the wild swimming fundraising event and blown away by people's support and generosity.

"With the proceeds from this fundraiser we will start an interpreting fund so that women affected by Gender Based Abuse whose first language is not English can access vital support.

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"Many of the women we work with are newly arrived in Scotland. If we can help them to talk to us by removing any language barrier, we have a better chance of effective intervention to listen, understand and offer appropriate support.

"Interpreting services are vital in these situations, good quality informed assistance to help women express their needs is a must"

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