The Story: Formed in 2002 by local business man Mr Robin Baynes and in memory of his life long friend and fellow swimming competitor Kenny O'Toole. The aims of this organisation is to promote healthy lifestyles in young people in an educational and entertaining way. Liverpool Heartbeat are pleased to be associated with such organisations as Liverpool Swimming Club, tri-4-life European challenge, David Graham National High Schools Tour, New Start supported housing organisation, who also fund the use of a community used Mini Bus affectionately known as the (dipper ) the nickname Kenny was known by. We are proud of our connections with West Derby Rotary Club as with several youth clubs on Merseyside.

In 2002 £10,000 was raised in memory of Ken for the British Heart Foundation. This was achieved by a group of Kens swimming friends who all swam for the City of Liverpool Swimming Club and belonged to the long distance cold water section of the club. Each member played their part in breaking the world record relay swim from Port Douglas Scotland to Larne Northern Ireland. Through this swim Liverpool Heartbeat was formed.

The hospitality of Mr and Mrs Gunn in Ireland was second to none and will live in all our memories, a very special thanks to both of them.

Then came the fund raising for the (DIPPER) mini bus, Bob Jones organising a sponsored slim and he's still kept the weight off, someone said "he'd lost his wallet". Jim Tinsley followed up with a fun night in the Derby Mills his 'second home' and through his contacts with Liverpool FC footballers had a quick whip-round in the changing room, the money started rolling in. Casino nights, Tom bolas, Sponsored swims, Half marathons. Boxing Day Dip and Cross Mersey Swim which have both become annual events organised by Robin, Jimmy and Bob, we meet at least twice a year now, many other events and donations kept the money rolling in. Bill Shields a close neighbour found out the Mini Bus was to be used in and around the Tuebrook area he was brought up in and immediately made a significant donation, also Ray Parr a friend of Bills and a lifelong friend of Robin helped out with over a 25% donation of the total cost of the (DIPPER) and the West Derby Rotary Club made the first and last donation allowing the (DIPPER) to take to the road in April 2004.

If you want to use the (DIPPER) phone 280-2860. New Start garages,taxes,insures and maintains the Mini Bus. All involved in Liverpool Heartbeat feel that the (DIPPER) is a true community bus, every penny raised through Liverpool Heartbeat is spent in the Merseyside community.

Liverpool Heartbeat is now supporting two major projects, David Graham, Natural High Schools Tour, promoting his citizenship and drug awareness programme in as many schools as possible on Merseyside over the coming years. Also the tri-4-life.com European Challenge. Which continues with sporting events in the future.