Celebrating the 25th Boxing Day dip in Worthing in 2007Celebrating the 25th Boxing Day dip in Worthing in 2007
Celebrating the 25th Boxing Day dip in Worthing in 2007

Daring dippers take to the sea in Worthing and Littlehampton Boxing Day dips

Remember when Christmas was swiftly followed by the annual Boxing Day dip? Shivering and covered in goosebumps, swimmers braved the cold to take part in the fundraising frolics in Worthing and Littlehampton.

Boxing Day swim The annual Boxing Day dip on Worthing seafront celebrated 25 years of fundraising in December 2007. Organiser Dr John Bull admitted the water was pretty chilly, and he stayed in only a few seconds himself, but said the worst part was the severe undertow, which made it difficult to get out of the water. Dr Bull had taken part in the Boxing Day dip every year since it started in 1982 and was joined by between 50 to 70 people in 2007. It was all in a good cause, raising thousands of pound for cancer services at Worthing and Southlands hospitals. Each year, Dr Bull emerged from the water and pulled on his trusty towelling robe, made by his mother. Others ran up the beach with teeth chattering to grab clothing, warm drinks and hot water bottles.

In Littlehampton in 2007, a brave group of nine swimmers plunged into the sea, with mascot Hampton the hedgehog officially starting them off on their run. The warmhearted gesture was helping to raise money for the Littlehampon Carnival, as well as money for the swimmers’ chosen charities. Carnival committee members Steven Drew, Nick Horsecroft, Lisa Myers and Bobbie Hall, took part, the men dressed as penguins and the women in Victorian bathing costumes. Lisa also won a £50 prize for staying in the water for the longest time and donated the money to Worthing Cat Welfare.