Wexford women to bare all in aid of Hope Centre

BEING a woman with a little bit of courage is the only criteria you need to meet to take part in this year’s Dip in the Nip in aid of the Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Now in its second year, the event will see hundreds of women converge on a Wexford beach at 7 a.m. on August 14 and bare all in the name of charity. It’s a big ask for many, who dare not hop into the shower at 7 a.m. on a Sunday, let alone jump into the Irish sea without even a sock to their name. But according to chief organiser and fitness instructor Eileen Rowe, participants will be thrilled once they have taken the plunge.

‘ The benefits of it are phenomenal, even from the point of view of getting your kit off which is a huge deal for so many people. Some women tell me that they can’t even look at themselves in the mirror but I tell them that there are no mirrors on the beach. Nobody is there to look at anyone as everyone is so locked in on their own bodies,’ she said. ‘I had women coming up to me last year and thanking me for encouraging them to take part.’

The benefit of the swim has a ripple effect across the community as all funds raised through sponsorship and bucket collections will be donated to the Hope Cancer Support Centre. It is a cause very close to Eileen’s heart, having lost her aunt to cancer in April of last year, and one that many people can relate to.

‘It was very emotional for me last year. Everyone who does the swim can think of a loved one who is no longer here to take part with them,’ she said.

Last year’s event saw 120 women take part and over €10,700 was raised for charity. So far, over 150 people have hopped on board for the event this August and Eileen is hoping that more will get involved in the coming weeks.

Participants will meet at Rosslare Community Centre on the morning of Sunday August 14 before they head off to a nearby beach. As the event is a female-only swim, the exact location will be kept private. Gardai and female marshals will also be at the location prior to the event to ensure that any non-participants are kept at bay. On reaching their destination, Eileen will help to build everyone up for taking the plunge.

‘When I get everyone on to the beach, I do a bit of a warmup. It’s good for the nerves because at that stage, many people feel like vomiting at the thought of baring all,’ she said.

After the dip, everyone will be invited back to Rosslare Community Centre, where they can enjoy ‘some tea and a giggle’.

‘A lot of women even make a day out of it and go for breakfast afterwards,’ said Eileen.

The event is one of many similar dips that will take place around the country. Eileen is urging women of all ages, sizes and background to get involved in the Wexford event by signing up for a sponsorship card or coming along on the morning.