A BRAVE bunch of swimmers from Dinas Powys took to icy waters over the festive season, to raise money for two-year-old Elodie Wilton.

As previously reported, Elodie has cerebral palsy and her parents continue to raise money to pay for a £40,000 operation in America.

To help reach the daunting target, Sharon Burke, Maria Hudson, Michelle Burman, Shelley Williams and Matthew Burke took part in a sponsored swim at Barry Island on Boxing Day.

They joined around 30 other people for the traditional Boxing Day dip at Whitmore Bay, which saw the brave swimmers strip to their bathers to run into the water – estimated to be -3ºC – three times.

Elodie’s parents, Catherine and Rhys Wilton, have been overwhelmed by support for their daughter.

The Dinas Powys couple were left devastated when Elodie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in October.

After researching potential treatments, Catherine discovered there is an operation that could greatly improve her mobility - but the treatment is expensive and is only available in America.

The Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) procedure is best performed when patients are young, before joint deformities take place.

The family are in a race against time to raise enough money to pay for the operation, and have appealed to readers for help.

The couple have already managed to raised more than £19,000 and were quick to pay tribute to the Dinas Powys swimmers’ donation.

Catherine said: “Sharon, Maria, Michelle, Shelley and Matthew really put in a fantastic effort.

“They’ve already raised £1,200 and are expecting more money to come in.

“We've had an amazing response and would like to thank all the Penarth Times readers who have donated so far.”

To make a donation, call Catherine on 07909 784 554 or email: cathfitt@hotmail.com Donations can also be made at The Three Horse Shoes pub on Station Road, Dinas Powys.