Hundreds of people are expected to brave the cold and take a swim in the North Sea as part of a Christmas Day fundraiser in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Southwold and District, will be the 10th Christmas Day swim of its kind and will see hundreds of swimmers take to the water in what has become an annual festive spectacle with many choosing to wear fancy dress.
Peter Bartlett, President of the Rotary Club, said: “People come from all over the country to take part, it’s absolutely amazing. For some it’ll be in their diary even before they’ve completed this one, coming year-on-year is just what they do, and many bring their families and supporters with them as well. It really is quite an occasion.
“Some go in wearing bikinis, others in Santa suits and, like with the London Marathon, there are groups of people who support one thing or another and congregate and do it together, it is incredible. We have volunteers in the sea to make sure everybody’s safe but, generally, people just run in, splash about a bit and come out again. They love it – the atmosphere is amazing and there is a real buzz about it.”
At a recent rotary meeting members were asked how many had come into contact with someone who had a brain tumour and almost everyone’s hand in the room was raised. Peter’s own contact is a friend who had several brain surgeries during his childhood and another in his 30s but continues to lead an active life despite part of his tumour remaining.
To support the Christmas Day swim, visit www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/christmas-day-swim or to register to take part, visit www.southwoldrotary.co.uk/swim.
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