Seaton Carew Rugby Club is proud to have made a huge splash to support a local charity focused on helping people across Hartlepool and the surrounding areas.
The PFC Trust received a cheque for £500 at the club's Hornby Park home this week as a result of the team doing the Boxing Day dip.
Shaun Hope, The Trust's chairman, met up with Seaton's junior section chairman, David Grieveson, and club captain Ben Glaister-Smith to collect the money.
More than 20 members of Seaton Carew RUFC aged from 6–71 braved the cold North Sea to raise funds for the PFC Trust and the club's developing junior rugby section. The remainder of the money will go towards new training kit and strips for the various junior teams.
Seaton's skipper Ben said: "The PFC Trust provides a multitude of much needed services to the town and improves the lives of so many.
"As a club who pride themselves on our social experience we could not think of a more fitting cause.
"The 2022 dip was a big day for the Little SCRUFs (junior section), as we turned out in near record numbers and frolics in the icy cool North Sea were enjoyed by every member.
"The importance of these fundraising activities cannot be understated. We as a club know the value of donations in both funding and in volunteers' time. Without both we would not exist, and anything we can do to help another organisation who have the goal of helping people will be done.
"We are delighted to have been able to donate this sum and look forward to any future fundraising endeavours that will help the town."
Seaton Carew offer rugby to children aged 11 and under (Reception class to Year 6), and are always looking to welcome new players. They train on a Sunday morning at 10.30 at Hornby Park and can be contacted via Little SCRUFS Rugby Seaton Carew on Facebook.
Its senior section has two teams for men aged 17 and over they train on a Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm at Hornby Park. New players, no experience necessary, are also invited along and can be contacted via Seaton Carew Rugby Club on Facebook.
The PFC Trust's chairman Shaun Hope is thankful for the local rugby club for support and reminded others that as a charity they welcome support from other groups.
Shaun said: "We are so grateful to Seaton Carew Rugby Club for their kind donation. It is great to hear how the whole club got involved with the fundraising activities.
"We appreciate the thought of choosing the PFC Trust as their chosen charity and the kind donation will go towards supporting the people of Hartlepool, improving their lives and life chances."
Caption: (left to right) David Grieveson (SCRUFC Junior Section Chairman and Junior Coach), Shaun Hope (PFC Trust chairman), Thomas Santos Wood, (Under7s' Player and Youngest Dipper from the club) and Ben Glaister-Smith SCRUFC Club Captain)
Seaton Carew Rugby Club dippers before hitting the water