DIPPERS HIT THE WAVES

BRAVE LADIES BEAR ALL IN AID OF THE ONCOLOGY UNIT IN THE LOURDES

THEY came together, huddled and bold, nervous and cold, and left refreshed and vibrant. The annual Dip in the Nip does more than raise money for a great cause. It can ignite a fire in the soul that sustains many through hard and difficult times.

Hundreds turned out recently at a mystery beach in the North East to cast aside their clothes and dash into the Irish Sea,

In aid of the oncology unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, the Dip in the Nip casts aside all barriers as many of the swimmers admitted.

“It makes us realise our bodies are wonderful; too often we abuse them and don’t see the beauty. In the ocean everybody is equal. Proud bellies, mastectomy scars, cellulite, we’re all there. Skinny-dipping is the ultimate in life affirmation, so the Dip in the Nip lets us celebrate life in all its beauty”. Many of our participants had experienced cancer, either their own, or with somebody close. Some had lost loved ones and, indeed, some even joined while in treatment,’ one of the dippers remarked.

Now running for seven years, the Dip is likely to top the €50,000 mark this year.

The day was full of all kinds of surprises, partners and supporters the Westcourt Hotel start the day off sweetly with glasses of bubbly and tea and coffees.

There were novelty prizes for best non-dressed people, some of the entrants were, the Flamingos, The Flower ladies, Jelly Tubbies, Cowgirls, Sprinkle Ladies, the list goes on. The winners were ‘CCruellall ded VilleVill andd theth 101 Dalamations’. D l ti ’

‘People often ask how can you win a bestdressed prize for a naked dip but it’s all about the body art and wigs and hats. This year the judging was made very difficult because Fuschia had kindly adorned all our ladies with amazing angel dust. After the reception in the Westcourt Hotel, Gerry Carroll and Matthews buses were lined up to take everyone off to the secret location, its amazing site to see over 200 ladies dressed in towels and dressing gowns heading down West Street in the early hours, the few cars that passed by were scratching heads wondering what the hell was going on,’ a spokesperson stated.

When at the beach the ladies head straight for the “wishing tree” where they tie on a special wish either for themselves or for a loved one.

A very special reward awaited them when they returned from the water, The Rumbles food company truck surprised everyone with hot food. With special assistance from Orlaith Carmondy and all the Dip in the nip Volunteers. After the hot food everyone headed to the NEM Marquee to change and head back to the buses which bring brought everyone back to Drogheda for the sweetest treat of all, coffee and buns in the Moorland Café.

So if reading this makes you want to join in next year please send NECRET a request to notify you the dates for next year.