Members of the public are invited to take the plunge at Portishead Marina in Bristol, and experience a water rescue by a 14-stone hero, a Newfoundland Dog, to raise funds for the Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bath.

Taking place on Saturday, 30th September, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an ‘at sea’ Newfoundland water rescue. Newfoundland dogs, have been the St. Bernard’s of the sea for hundreds of years. They are natural swimmers and have webbed feet, making it an impressive sight to see them in action.

This is the first year when both the RUH’s fundraising charity, The Forever Friends Appeal, and Newfound Friends, the Bristol-based charity, have teamed up to offer an exciting event to raise vital funds towards the Appeal’s Cancer Care Campaign, as well as wards and departments at the RUH.

Emily Lynch, Events and Community Officer for The Forever Friends Appeal, said: “We’re excited to be working with Newfound Friends, and we’re now asking people to sign up online to take part in our first Newfoundland water rescue day. Anyone aged 8 years old and up can take part, including non-swimmers, as everyone will be given a life-jacket on the day.

“If you want to take part, all we ask for is a £30 registration fee to secure your place, and for you to pledge to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship money. You can choose to dedicate your fundraising to a ward or department in the RUH, or towards the new RUH Cancer Centre.”

Participants will be provided with a wetsuit (hire fee included in entry fee), and will be taken out into the marina by boat. Once they are in the water, one of the Newfoundland dogs will join in to take them safely back to the boat.

Amy Hedges and her eight-year-old daughter, Zara, have already signed up to take the plunge. Amy said: “When my daughter, Zara, heard about the Newfoundland Water Rescue event, she immediately asked if she could do it. As she’s only eight years old, both of us are going to take part and we can’t wait.

“I’m so proud of Zara. Not only is she brave, but she also has autism, so to do something like this is truly inspirational. We’re now encouraging others to come along to Portishead Marina and join us for a day of fun for all the family. These adorable dogs do such a wonderful job in helping save people’s lives, and it’s lovely to know that Zara’s fundraising will also help save the lives of patients being treated at Bath’s RUH.”

To take part, simply sign up at: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk, or call: 01225 821535. There are limited places for this event, so book early to avoid disappointment.