Make a fundraising splash this New Year’s Day

For the second year running, the Aware Defeat Depression charity is asked people to usher in the New Year by taking a dip in the sea at Brown’s Bay, raising vital funds in the process. Last year’s event raised over £500 for the organisation, and it is hoped even more people will brave the waves this time around and help increase that sum.

Swimming skills are not necessary and wetsuits are not allowed for this challenge - the only rule is that you have to be completely submerged in the water.

The event has been organised by local man Gavan McGibbon, who uses it as an opportunity to shake off the cobwebs and enter the New Year feeling refreshed and revitalised.

He said: “New Year’s Eve is quite a symbolic event for lots of people who see it as a fresh start. I’ve done this now for a few years, and there is nothing quite like the feeling of running into the sea. It is not even as cold as you would imagine, and I’ve often found it colder on the beach than in the water.”

To register for the dip, there is a small fee of £5 and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £50. Registration and sponsor forms are available from Lorraine on 9032 1734 or by emailing [email protected]