Teams brave icy plunge in Heart Stopper Challenge

Brittany McNee and her team mates plunged themselves into freezing water in support of Rotorua's @Heart agency.

They were one team of dozens taking to the icy water in pools outside at the Aquatic Centre yesterday.

The 15-year-old's twin brother died from a heart condition while still in the womb. Her younger brother, Caleb, 14, and her mum, Belinda, also have heart health issues.

Brittany said taking part was one way of helping other people and getting the heart health message out. It's the seventh time she has taken the plunge.

"My mum and my brother are heart babies and my twin was a heart baby. I did this to support them. People need to be aware because you only get one heart."

She and her friends really enjoyed their icy plunge, she said.

"It was a lot of fun. It wasn't too cold once you were wet."

Damien Beachen also found the event chilling but fun. He was with team Zombie and looked pretty blue when The Daily Post caught up with him.

"It was pretty cold but worth it. These kids go through more than we can understand," he said.

Rotorua's @Heart chairwoman Debbie Scothern said she was impressed with the about 80 people taking part in the Heart Stopper Challenge.

The event is run annually in support of the organisation which supports families and young people with heart problems. They support children going to up to three camps annually and families in hospital as well as provide support and information about their illness.

"It's been so good seeing so many teams taking part. Everyone has had a really good day," she said.

Entertainer Frankie Stevens, guest artist for the day, was a hit with everyone, Ms Scothern said.

"He was amazing. He did a really good job."