A CHARITY helping youngsters through the power of the sea has thanked the community for its fundraising efforts.

The Wave Project, which is based at Belhaven Bay, has received a £19,000 cash boost thanks to some creative and determined fundraisers.

The group uses surf therapy sessions to build confidence and improve mental health in young people.

Alison Young, Edinburgh and Lothians project co-ordinator, was delighted with the public support, which helped them secure £2,500 through Cash For Kids.

She said: “The Wave Project has been in Dunbar since 2014 and I took over in 2018.

“I would say it was really part of my objectives to raise awareness of this in the community.

“I think it is such a cool project to have in Dunbar.

“What is becoming clear is we are becoming more known in the area.

“Our community are really proud of us and, if somebody is doing a marathon, they often come to us and say they want to fundraise for us.

“It improves people’s confidence so much and there is evidence into cold water therapy, the sea and blue health, but what is really magic is the people, who are equally important.

“Our kids are paired up on a one-to-one basis and it is the time spent with the invested person that makes as much impact as the ocean.

“We have got more and more of the local community coming to volunteer, which is brilliant.”

Sports groups were set a challenge to raise as much money as possible over a four-week period.

The organisation that raised the most was then given £5,000 through Cash For Kids, with the second-placed group receiving half that amount.

Representatives of The Wave Project took part in the Kiltwalk, while there was also a Sunset Scamper 5k run.

A sponsored row took place in Dunbar’s Lauderdale Park, while an auction of pieces of art also added to the total.

Finally, a “very generous” donation from a dad of a volunteer at The Wave Project also boosted the cause.

Mrs Young described the impact of the funding as “a lot”.

She said: “It will help us to provide more surf therapy next year.

“We strive to be all-inclusive, so if someone cannot come up with the referral fee we have funds available to offer surf therapy to anyone.

“We need to have warm, cosy wetsuits, hats and boots, and it allows us to make sure we have got it to keep going through the winter.”