AN INSPIRATIONAL Gourock woman living with multiple sclerosis encouraged people to splash the cash for a good cause during a hugely-successful charity event.

More than 100 people turned out at Gourock Outdoor Pool to show support to popular former schoolteacher Louise Newman, 54, as she staged her latest annual fun swim.

Louise, who was diagnosed with MS in 2011, was forced to retire from teaching because of the condition and ever since then she has poured her heart and soul into raising awareness and cash for the MS Society — a charity which supports people affected by it.

The event was supported by friends, family, colleagues and former pupils and it generated £1,800.

The swim was for fun but also for those with a competitive edge, and they were challenged to complete as many lengths as possible and reach the target of 2,011 to commemorate the year Louise was diagnosed.

Even before a toe was dipped in the water, kind donations flooded in from local businesses, including £500 from Amazon and £250 from Texas Instruments plus £220 from Louise’s friend Sandra Downie.

Louise, lives with her husband in Rosemount Place, said: “Every time I looked up at the door more people were coming through.

“People had to wait to get into the pool because the lanes were so busy.

“It was such a great atmosphere and a really amazing day.” Swimmer Kevin McLaughlin recorded the best return on the day with 226 lengths, followed by Alan Johnson with 220 and Laura Atkinson on 160.

Louise would like to thank Texas Instruments, Amazon, Sandra Downie, Cathy Carrol and partner John Kirk, Kathleen and Kenny Tait and Alan Holmes from McNeil’s Jewellers.