Dip-a-Day December, Done!
The thought of taking the plunge into the chilly waters of the Lake District at any time of year may leave many of us cold but for Acorn’s Pippa Mitchell the idea of ‘Dip-a-Day December’ was a heartwarming challenge she couldn’t refuse.
Pippa has been a keen outdoor swimmer for a number of years and together with her friend, Chelsea Eddy-Waland, committed to dip in cold open water – lakes, tarns or rivers – each day during the month of December.
As an incentive to maintain their commitment, Pippa and Chelsea were raising funds and awareness for Animal Rescue Cumbria and Macmillan Cancer Support respectively.
“There were a few others who couldn’t commit to every day of December, but wanted to dip as much as they could. But it was great that Chelsea and I managed to swim every day.” says Pippa.
And not unsurprisingly – if you cast your mind back, those of us living here in Cumbria will remember the heavy snowfall and icy conditions that arrived in early December.
“It was actually quite beautiful and surreal swimming when it was snowing. I was in the river at Rydal that day, it felt quite special.”
But it was the following days that took more commitment to get in the water says Pippa: “Once the snow started to melt, the river levels rose pretty quickly and this meant having to change locations for a few of the swims.”
They both dipped through rain, snow, multiple storm warnings, and even had the obligatory Santa hat on for the Christmas Day dip.
Most of the ‘dips’ took place in Lake Windermere, mainly at the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club along with getting into the water at the Lakeside Hotel and at Millerground.
In total, 13 different locations were used as swim spots including Coniston Water and the rivers Kent and Sprint near Kendal. Further afield, Pippa also swam in Pickmere Tarn, Cheshire, and the River Witham in Lincolnshire.
Pippa talks excitedly about the whole challenge being a great adventure but what, if any, were the worst memories from Dip-a-Day December?
“There was one day when the River Kent was quite swollen after the snow had melted, so my swim was restricted to a sheltered eddy. That was all fine but literally the moment I got out of the water a dead sheep floated past! Suffice to say I got home and showered thoroughly straight afterwards!”
And the most memorable ‘dip’?
“There was a morning dip at Coniston Water with Chelsea; it was utterly freezing, -6° but also sunny and still, with a light mist across the surface of the water, and the sun rising over the mountain, it was just beautiful.”
During the course of the month, 18 friends joined Pippa and Chelsea for one or more of the 31 dips: “It was great being able to catch up with friends who had heard what we were doing and wanted to get involved, and even introduce a few new people to cold water swimming.
“The very last day felt really special as there were 10 of us at the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club, it was such a great way to finish the challenge, a few of us even jumped in to celebrate and warmed up after with a glass of mulled wine.”
Pippa’s fundraising currently stands at over £550, whilst Chelsea has herself raised over £600.
Animal Rescue Cumbria
Based at the Wainwright Shelter near Kendal, Animal Rescue Cumbria re-home around 300 cats and dogs every year.
They take-in unwanted and lost animals, provide a secure and caring environment and help them adapt and find permanent, loving new homes, along with providing support and guidance for pet owners and increase the public’s awareness of their responsibility towards animals.
Keith, Claire and Pippa have themselves taken four dogs from Animal Rescue Cumbria over recent years.
https://www.animalrescuecumbria.co.uk/
If you would like to make a donation to Animal Rescue Cumbria, any contributions will be gratefully accepted. You can donate via Pippa’s JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/pippa-mitchell-1701373532134
Macmillan Cancer Support
Chelsea Eddy-Waland undertook the Dip-a-Day December challenge in memory of her father, Ian, who sadly died from cancer a decade ago. “By dipping daily, I keep my Dad present in my mind even in his absence. I honour his strength with a little of my own.”
Macmillan Cancer Support provides services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience, and provides emotional, practical, physical, and financial support.
If you would like to make a contribution to Chelsea’s fundraising effort, please head to her JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chelsea-eddy-1701440592791
