Bodies shivering and teeth-chattering, people with blue lips and santa hats dancing and singing in icy cold water. This is how Cheltenham’s mad swimmers spent their first day of December.
Despite the frosty weather, Cheltenham Lido has reopened its doors in order to raise money for Sue Ryder. People of all ages gathered together to take part in the ‘Big Dip’ on December 1st.
The money donated will be going towards the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, helping them continue their incredible work and work with families through difficult times.
The swimmers arrived looking very different to how they left. Wrapped up in their hats and gloves, they were able to enjoy carol singers, hot drinks and cakes. Spirits were high as people chatted and shared their reasons for being there with one another whilst nervously waiting for their jump. The Lido was bustling and had an atmosphere similar to that of a summer’s day. Some people were avid cold swimmers with plenty of practise and some had never tried anything like it before. There were volunteers and workers from the hospice, students from Cheltenham College and even an appearance from Father Christmas who said the swimmers “must be mad but they’re beautifully mad”.
People stood shivering on the edge of the pool anticipating the jump. There was then a 10 second countdown with the hardcore swimmers diving straight in once it had finished and others cautiously dipping their toes in first then slowly making their way down the pool steps.
At first all you could hear was shrieking and shouting yet after the initial shock swimmers started to cheer up and seemed to enjoy their time in the bone chilling pool. People were laughing at the madness of the whole thing with music blaring from the speakers encouraging people to sing and dance to ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ by Slade.
After the swim finished people quickly fled in attempt to warm themselves up as quick as possible but also congratulating each other on braving the water. Sarah, who took part, described it as “blimmin cold but amazing”. The event was a huge success with a supportive and positive environment and raised over £12,000. Swimmers say they are looking forward to taking part in the ‘Big Dip’ again next year.
