Charity's £11.7k boost in memory of Erin

It follows a number of initiatives over the past year, including a New Year’s Day ‘dip’ at Brown’s Bay and the sale of hand-painted cards at Whitehead’s Victorian Street Fair in November.

Whitehead Primary School pupil Erin passed away in March 2015. The five-year-old, who was an organ donor, inspired the superhero theme behind the New Year’s Day swim.

The funds raised will go towards Angel Wishes, a charity supporting children in Northern Ireland who are fighting cancer-related conditions.

Writing on Facebook, Erin’s mum, Susan said: “I was delighted to present [the charity] with a cheque for all the money raised through the sale of Erin’s Christmas cards and at the Superhero Dip - a staggering £11,799.53.

“Thank you so much to every single one of you who took part in any way to raise such a huge amount.”