If you spotted a group of human-sized penguins rushing into the waves at Ramsgate beach yesterday (February 4) then your eyes weren’t deceiving you.
Colleagues from service firm Mitie had donned the outfits for a sea dip, raising funds for Young Lives vs Cancer.
Lyndsey Olik, from Ramsgate, came up with the idea while at work. She said: “I had a crazy idea in the middle of a night shift and dragged my colleagues into it.”
Lyndsey, who previously worked with children with cancer in a social work role, said: “It’s for Young Lives vs Cancer, it’s something that we are all passionate about and a worthy cause. It is devastating for any family which is going through this and for the children and young people, it is the biggest challenge of their lives.”
When the workmates found out lots of people were planning on coming to Ramsgate sands to cheer them on, they decided to get creative and came up with the penguin theme.
Lyndsey said: “We just thought the sillier the better.
“About 30 people came down to watch. We have raised £3,000 already plus gift aid. I can’t believe it, (the donation page) has only been going two weeks.”
The group warmed up after their chilly challenge with food and drinks in the Royal Victoria Pavilion.
Young Lives vs Cancer is the only charity in the UK with specialist social workers who provide tailored support to children and young people with cancer, and their families. The charity provides practical and emotional support, financial help and when sadly needed, bereavement support. Find more about Young Lives vs Cancer here
February 4 is also World Cancer Day, an international day to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
