BERNIE’S BASS ROCK SWIMMERS

In August, a group of us are swimming back from the Bass Rock to North Berwick.

This 5k challenge is both to honour the legacy of Bernie Petrie, a keen sea swimmer who died last year, as well as raise money for a charity that was close to her heart.

The group includes Bernie’s husband, Dave and son Flynn, 22, Cammy Campbell, 22, Claire Gardner and Bronwyn MacAskill.

Cammy is the son of journalist and broadcaster Glenn Campbell and Claire, his wife.

Glenn was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023 and subsequently set up Brain Power, a fund for the charity Brain Tumour Research, in Scotland.

In her final months, Bernie battled various cancers, including brain tumours, and was a close friend of Claire and Glenn’s.

Bernie’s Bass Rock Swimmers are aiming to raise as much money as possible for Brain Power.

Explaining his motivation behind the swim, Bernie’s son, Flynn, said: “Mum always loved sea swimming and believed in the major benefits of cold water therapy. She also always told me to be brave and to face my fears.

“I think that jumping into the middle of the freezing cold sea with all the creatures lurking beneath me and swimming to shore is absolutely terrifying.

“I knew I wanted to do my part and raise some money for such a great cause that means so much to me. So, combining this and braving the unknown led me to the challenge of the Bass Rock swim.”

The swim dates are Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August.

The exact date will be confirmed a week before, depending on weather conditions.