Fundraisers set to brave the North Sea for Boxing Day dip in Berwick
Last updated 25th Dec 2023
Scores of fundraisers are set to brave the North Sea for the traditional Boxing Day dip at Berwick.
Crowds of well-wishers are also set to line the promenade at Spittal beach to cheer them on.
The annual festivities get underway at 11am on Tuesday (December 26th), with local stalwart Andrew Smith piping the hardy souls into the water.
One of the local charities to benefit is Berwick Cancer Cars.
Three local councillors - Colin Hardy, Georgina Hill and Catherine Seymour - are raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).
Councillor Hardy said: "I lost my sister, Pauline Scott, in 2014 to MND and it is horrendous. She was only 59. We had a very, very horrendous experience.
"It was only five months from diagnosis to death. It was very rapid decline which was very difficult for the family. There is no such thing as a good terminal illness, but this is a horrendous one.
"I was deeply involved with her care and I've been part of a campaign team since 2015. We have had some reasonable successes."
But he added: "The least we can do is spend a couple of minutes pretending we're happy and then go out and get warm after. It's a privilege to be a part of it."
Spittal Bowling Club will be open from 10am for participants and spectators to warm up and enjoy refreshments.
Councillor Hill (pictured above, right) said: “This is a great event and tradition. If anyone is considering taking part for charity or just for fun - I would urge them to just do it - it is extremely invigorating and a great way to fundraise for excellent causes!”
You can sponsor Team MNDA at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/colin-hardy-1698748698168
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