Scotland Dip and Nip

There’s nothing like a quick swim on Boxing Day to help work off those mince pies and roast potatoes! CLIC Sargent is calling for brave locals to take the plunge and sign up for the Boxing Day Dip. Hardy locals will be sponsored to take to the scenic Prestwick Beach for a quick dip in the icy Firth of Clyde before enjoying a hot soup!

The event is taking place from 1pm on Friday 26 December and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship to take part.

The CLIC Sargent Boxing Day Dip is now in its third year and headed up by local mum Eileen Granger, whose five-year-old son Ross is in remission from cancer. Ross’s father, Shaun, is taking part in the event for the third year running and joining 500 other Dippers and Nippers, including local police, nurses, firemen, ambulance drivers and reporters. Joining them will be children and families staying in CLIC Sargent’s holiday home, Malcolm Sargent House over Christmas.

Adding to the excitement, HMS Gannett will fly past for a spectacular display to kick off the Dip, and the Scotland football team manager, George Burley will be on hand for the countdown. All participants will be given hot soup and hearty congratulations after their dip in the icy Firth of Clyde.

“This is the third Dip and Nip we’ve held in Scotland and I’m sure there are lots of brave locals who will join in the festive fun and help us raise much-needed funds to support families affected by childhood cancer,” said local Community Fundraising Manager, May Gilchrist. “Prestwick beach is a beautiful setting to spend Boxing Day with the whole family, whether you will be braving the Dip yourself or coming to support and enjoy the outdoors.  The event has been so popular that it has gone global, with supporters from Ayrshire organising CLIC Sargent dips in Australia!”

“Following last years success, we are urging everyone who is taking part to register early to avoid the crowds and queues. Residents in Ayrshire taking part in the event can collect their goody bag, t-shirt and hand in their sponsorship money to Malcolm Sargent House on Sunday 21 December between 10am and 4pm or Monday 22 December between 9am and 7pm. There will still be a chance to register on Boxing Day from 10 am till 12noon, but please let plenty of time before the event kicks off!”

For more information or a registration pack contact May Gilchrist on: 01292 692113 or 07944 862 398 or email: may.gilchrist@clicsargent.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

• For any media enquiries relating to CLIC Sargent please contact Suzanne Palmer in the press office on 0117 3148621 or email: suzanne.palmer@clicsargent.org.uk
  
• December is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM). This year, CLIC Sargent focuses on children and young people who want to be cared for at home, so that they can lead as normal a life as possible.