Fundraiser to be held at Gourock Pool this weekend

Retired teacher Louise Newman has raised almost £30,000 for the MS Society since being diagnosed with the debilitating disease over a decade ago.

The 63-year-old is holding a special party and fun swim at the popular local lido on Sunday following a successful collection at the Georgetown Cup bike race last weekend, which brought in £700.

OTHER NEWS: £1.5m Greggs drive-through cafe in Greenock taking shape

The former Greenock Academy and Clydeview business studies teacher hopes that the money she is raising for the MS Society will help find a cure for the terrible illness.

Louise, of Gourock, told the Tele: “We’re going to have a great day, hopefully people will give some donations and have a swim.

“We’re hoping for a hundred or so people to come along and support it.

“Getting this close to £30,000 is so special, I could never have imagined getting here when I first started fundraising.  

“It all started in 2011 and I’ve just ran lots of different events since then.

“It’s a lot of work organising things every year and I do get quite tired after it all.

“But the money all goes towards research and development and I'm hoping that maybe one day they will find a cure for MS."

Louise added: “My friends and my family have kept me going all this time, even people I meet on the street who tell me I’m doing a good job keeps me going.

“Anyone that wants to donate raffle prizes or come along is more than welcome to get in touch.

“I want to say a big thank you to the guys at Gourock Pool for supporting this.”

Louise has been running annual fundraisers at the Gourock Pool for many years and hopes that this weekend’s event will be another fun and enjoyable afternoon.

The event runs from 2pm until 4pm and has an entrance fee of £5.

Those who come along will be able to have a fun swim, enjoy some refreshments and win fantastic raffle prizes.

Those wishing to contact Louise about the event can do by emailing newman.lulu@yahoo.com.