People are being encouraged to come and take the plunge in Portishead Marina, Bristol, and be rescued by a Newfoundland dog to raise funds for the Royal United Hospitals, (RUH) Bath.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will take place on Saturday, 22nd September, organised jointly by Newfound Friends for The Forever Friends Appeal – the fundraising charity of the RUH.

Laura Pearce, Events and Community Officer for The Forever Friends Appeal, said: “This is a fundraising event with a difference – we are so excited to be working with these life-saving dogs again, as it was such a big hit with those who took the plunge last year. Sign up today, and you will get the full experience of what it’s like to be rescued by a Newfoundland dog.

“They are powerful dogs, each weighing around fourteen stone, and are an impressive sight in the water. After you’ve suited up, you’ll be taken out into the marina and be asked to jump in, but don’t worry, your furry rescuer won’t be far behind and will tow you back safely!

“Last year, almost £7,000 was raised for the RUH – an amazing total, and, as participants can choose which area of the hospital their sponsorship would support, we saw donations going towards our new builds, such as the new Cancer Centre and Therapies Centre, as well as wards such as Critical Care and Cardiology, including other departments in the hospital, which is fantastic.”

As well as teaming up with Newfound Friends in September, dog handler, Ellie and her Newfoundland, Tizz, made a recent visit to the hospital’s Children’s Ward to see how fundraising can make a difference. The young patients, parents and carers and staff loved meeting Tizz, and many photos were taken – he was the star patient of the day.

Alice Done, Nurse on the RUH Children’s ward, said: “It was lovely to have Tizz visit us on the ward – he was very well behaved and enjoyed all the fuss. I actually took part in last year’s dog dive day, as it was a great opportunity for me – I love dogs and as we could choose where our sponsorship money was donated, it felt personal to give to my own ward.

“We had a wonderful day in Portishead. The dogs are such gentle giants, I loved meeting them and their owners, who clearly adore them and enjoy giving them a great day out while supporting charities at the same time.”

Places are limited, as they were oversubscribed last year. To sign up, visit: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/events/newfoundland-dog-rescue-day