Fund-raisers wanted to join mass skinny dip for charity

The popular North East Skinny Dip takes place at sunrise at Druridge Bay Country Park on Sunday, September 25, in aid of MIND – The Mental Health Charity.

Last year’s event attracted more than 300 brave souls who took the plunge into the North Sea and those behind the fund-raiser would love to attract even more dippers this time round, with the aim of breaking the world record.

It currently stands at 786 people, which was set in March 2015 in Australia.

Organiser Jackie Higginson said: “It is wonderful that 2016 is the fifth North East Skinny Dip and many of the people who did it last year have spoken of the life-affirming experience they had that morning. This event isn’t about looking good. It’s about taking a risk, celebrating our unique bodies, being close to nature, raising money for charity and maybe even breaking a world record.

“I started the North East Skinny Dip in 2012 and it has doubled in size since then. It is a very popular and well-loved event and we are looking to recruit dippers to break this world record. There is no better way to celebrate the summer and welcome the winter than stripping down to skin, at sunrise, and running wild and free into the North Sea with literally hundreds of other people.”

The event has received much attention over the years and even featured in the second series of Tales from Northumberland with Robson Green, when the TV star joined the hardy group for a naked swim.

Those taking part in this year’s event must be on the beach and ready to dip by 6.30am. Camping is available the night before on-site. For details and to register, visit northeastskinnydip.co.uk

Or, like North East Skinny Dip on Facebook or follow @northeastskinny on Twitter.