Brendan Courtney Urges Wexford People to Take the Plunge for Irish Heart Foundation This December

TV presenter Brendan Courtney is calling on people across County Wexford to brave the cold this December and take on a fundraising challenge in support of heart, stroke and thrombosis patients.

The broadcaster and fashion designer has thrown his support behind the Irish Heart Foundation's 12 Dips in December challenge, supported by Daybreak, which encourages participants to complete 12 cold-water dips throughout the month.

Courtney, whose father Frank died in 2017 following a stroke, took to the chilly waters at Sandycove in Dublin to help promote the initiative.

The 55-year-old Keys to My Life presenter says participants don't necessarily have to brave the Irish Sea to get involved.

"It can be a dip in the sea, a cold shower, a plunge pool, even an ice-bucket challenge 12 times next month," he said.

"The most important thing is that people in Wexford raise what they can for such a deserving charity, while having fun."

The Irish Heart Foundation says an average of 16 people suffer a heart attack in Ireland every day, while a further 20 experience a stroke.

Up to 600,000 people nationwide are living with cardiovascular conditions, highlighting the importance of ongoing prevention, rehabilitation and patient support services.

Irish Heart Foundation CEO Emma Balmaine thanked Daybreak for its continued support, saying fundraising initiatives play a vital role in helping the charity support patients and survivors.

"Every dip makes a difference," she said.

The charity is encouraging individuals, families, community groups and workplaces throughout Wexford to get involved, whether by taking a sea dip, using a plunge pool or simply braving a cold shower.

Registration is free, and participants can set their own fundraising targets.

Those wishing to take part can register through the Irish Heart Foundation website at irishheart.ie.