Getting ready for another ‘Dip In The Nip’ next month

THE launch has taken place for the next ‘Dip In The Nip’ which will be held on Sunday, 11 September.

Local women will strip off at a secret location in Co Meath in aid of the Northeast Oncology Unit based in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

Since founded in 2009 by Máire Garvey, ‘Dip In The Nip’, whose tagline is ‘Dare to Bare to Fight Cancer’, has raised thousands of euros for cancer charities all over Ireland.

She discovered from women that it provided a sense of joy and liberation, particularly for those with body image issues.

One lady, who has done the Dip before, and is helping NECRET with this year’s event, points out: ‘Society puts immense pressure on women to be perfect.

‘We are constantly bombarded with messages through social media to be slim, eat healthy, be mindful, fight, be strong, don’t complain and be the flawless mother, the perfect friend, the impeccable co-worker. We rarely take time out to just ‘ be’.’

Another Dipper, who had had a double mastectomy, echoed the sentiments of many when she said, that after her first Dip, running naked into the sea had given her back her body, her self-confidence and her sexuality.

NECRET use the funds raised for activities that will improve the treatment and outcomes of people with cancer from across the north-east, including counties Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and north Dublin, and they are delighted to see not just local women taking part, but others from as far away as Kerry, Derry and even England.

Last year, former England cricketer ‘Freddie’ Flintoff served the ladies fish and chips as they emerged from the sea.

At next September’s renewal, spearheaded by Karen Healy, there is an early start, with the Dippers arriving at the Westcourt Hotel for a ‘Dutch Courage Champagne Reception’.

For a registration form and sponsorship card, email necret.info@gmail.com or text 0867773294. More details on the Facebook page.