Charity swims in the icy waters of New Year’s Day are a familiar feature at many coastal locations in the UK.
Now Britain’s Ocean City will be joining the list – thanks to the efforts of four friends from Stoke.
They are organising a New Year’s Day swim off Devil’s Point in Plymouth – known as Firestone Bay – to raise money for a really worthwhile cause.
The event has been named The Firestone Freezer and is completely free to enter. It is hoped that participants will secure sponsorship and there will also be a collection on the day.
One of the organisers, Tom Dingwall, said:
“We are four dads who have become friends mainly through our children all attending Stoke Damerel Primary School.
“We all enjoy swimming or water sports of one kind or another and got chatting about the fact that Britain’s Ocean City really should have a charity swim on New Year’s Day,” he added.
The event will take place at 12 noon on January 1 at Stonehouse Lawn Tennis Club. Fancy dress is optional with a particular theme and prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed adult, child and family.
“We’ll then have a bracing dip in Firestone Bay, followed by warming refreshments for everyone back up the steps at the Tennis Club,” said Tom.
Three local businesses have already lent their support by providing sponsorship – Plymouth Boat Trips, Wolferstans and HM Williams Accountants.
Money raised at the event will support a different Plymouth-based charity each year.
Funds raised at the inaugural event will go to First Light, which supports thousands of people each year affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence across Devon, Cornwall and Wiltshire.
More information and registration can be found at www.facebook.com/firestonefreezer
