FRIENDS who braved the icy waters of the North Sea for a Boxing Day dip have helped two brothers in their ambitious bid to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

County Durham brothers Richard and Nick Parker launched their One In A Gillian campaign in May, a series of events to raise £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in just 12 months.

The campaign was launched in memory of their Murton-born mum Gillian Parker, who died from breast cancer in December 1984.

Last week, the pair were joined by 19 daredevil friends from Easington Village for the annual Boxing Day dip at Seaham which raised £4,500 for the cause.

The impressive total has left the brothers just £500 short of the target with four months to go before the big fund raising event of the year, an adventurous 100-mile trek along the Great Wall of China.

"It's just fantastic that we've raised so much money, which means we'll probably re-adjust our target," said Richard, 43.

"It was humbling to see so many of our friends and family all jumping into the North Sea to help our cause, as they've all been raising money through sponsorship.

"We want to raise as much money as we possibly can for Macmillan Cancer Research and this has boosted our efforts significantly, so we're thrilled to bits."

Gillian Parker was a well-known magistrate and parish councillor for Easington before her untimely death at the age of 44.

Richard, who turns 44 later this year, said: "It has only really dawned on me in recent years, now that I'm approaching 44, that it's no age to die.

"I was 14 when she died, and I remember thinking at the time that was quite old. Now I'm reaching the same age, I’ve realised she wasn't at all.

Brother Nick, 36, added: "The number of people diagnosed with cancer continues to grow every day and the research, development and support Macmillan provides cannot be underestimated.

"We want to add our support and pay another fitting tribute to our mother's name by raising this cash and helping families that are affected by cancer."

The pair will each pay £1,700 out of their own pockets for April’s China expedition to ensure that every penny of the money raised will go direct to the charity.

For less adventurous supporters, the next event for the One In A Gillian campaign is an afternoon tea to be held in Easington Village on Sunday, January 19 at 3pm.

To donate or for further information, please visit www.oneinagillian.org