North East Skinny Dip invites swimmers to 'bare' the September chill for charity

The North East Skinny Dip 2024 will take place at Druridge Bay in Northumberland at sunrise this Sunday
-Credit: (Image: PR)


Naked ambition will see crowds strip off for a chilly dip in the sea this weekend in a determined bid to raise money for charity. Supporters will be out in force to take part in the North East Skinny Dip 2024 and help smash a £25,000 fund-raising target.

The organiser of what's described as a 'unique charity event' says that, with more than 1,000 pledges so far, it is on track to do just that. Jax Higginson, who is also the founder of the annual mass skinny dip which will be taking place at sunrise this Sunday at Druridge Bay in Northumberland, is keen to raise as much as possible for the charity: Tyneside and Northumberland Mind.

Those taking part are invited to make a pledge of £15 and all proceeds will go to the good cause which works to improve local mental health services and support those in need. "We are on track to smash our fundraising target," said Jax.

READ MORE:BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers make the same complaint just minutes into show

READ MORE:Oodie launches new reversible outdoor jackets that feel 'like wearing a hug'

She says the mass event is not just a dip but an experience, adding: "There is no better way to welcome the winter than stripping down to skin at sunrise and running wild and free into the North Sea with hundreds of other people!"

What's more, it's a celebration of life, nature and "our own, unique physical bodies". And it all sounds quite freeing too - if swimmers can bear the cold. The dip will go ahead come rain or shine. In fact it would be abandoned only if there was an electrical storm.

Those who do brace themselves for the chilly waters can be warmed at the thought of helping such a worthy charity. Jax says that more than £140,000 has been collectively raised for the charity since 2012 and last year alone almost £40,000 was bagged for it by a record 1,300 skinny dippers.

And everyone is invited to take part. The mass dip is open to 'every single body - no exceptions'. Jax said: "It's about taking a risk and embracing a moment of pure joy and freedom. It provides a rare opportunity to step into our vulnerability, confront shame and smash the beauty myth!"

Those wanting to make it even more of an experience can take up the option of camping the previous night in readiness for the early action. Access to the nearby camping field will be from 5pm on the Saturday and there also will be an open campfire that evening and a stone circle singalong so people can take along instruments too.

Then there also is an option of having a hot breakfast after the early morning exercise the next day, served up by the volunteers at REfUSE Cafe who create dishes from food that otherwise would go to waste. The September 29 dip will take place on the beautiful stretch of beach behind Druridge Bay Country Park and will coincide with the rising of the sun, set to just after 7pm.

The dip is ticketed but those interested can register right up to the event. For tickets, £15 plus fee, plus information about the breakfast option and waiting list details for the Camp and Dip see here.