WATCH: Bumper crowd turns out for annual Boxing Day dip in Berwick
Last updated 26th Dec 2024
A bumper crowd turned out in Berwick this morning (Thursday) to watch the town’s annual Boxing Day dip.
Scores of thrill-seekers - many wearing fancy dress - took the plunge into the North Sea at the now traditional event, with well-wishers lining the promenade at Spittal beach to cheer them on.
They were accompanied by local piper Andrew Smith who gave a rousing rendition of festive favourite Jingle Bells to add to the occasion.
One of those taking part was 62-year-old Tina Bevan, from Fenwick, who dressed as a giant lobster for the occasion. She is raising money for stillbirth charity Sands.
"This is my first time," she told Greatest Hits Radio, after diving head first into the chilly water. "It feels invigorating!
"My friend Jordan (Richardson), who's also in with me today, is a local lobster fisherman - hence the outfit. We'd had a few rums so thought we'd do it for charity."
Family and friends of Ryan Renton were out in numbers in memory of the 27-year-old from Berwick, who passed away last year following a long battle with leukaemia.
Head of Rento's Reindeers was mum Tracy. She said: "We started this last year in memory of my son, so we're all in red or got antlers on. Last year it was exceptionally cold, but today it's nice and mild.
"The whole town has done a lot of fundraising over the years. Ryan used to do this with the football - he used to play for the Ammies and they used to do this every year as well, so we're just going to keep the tradition going."
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video from the 2024 Boxing Day dip at Berwick...
With temperatures peaking on land at 11 degrees Celsius, this year's dip is believed to be one of the warmest on record.
The event is supported by Berwick RNLI and the local Coastguard team.
County councillors Georgina Hill (Berwick East) and Colin Hardy (Norham and Islandshire) are both part of TeamMNDA, raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Catching her breath, Councillor Hill said: "I love this, it's a great day. It's not an official event, but more and more people turn up every year.
"We've raised thousands of pounds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association over the years, and loads of people have been putting money in the bucket again this year."
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