Following the postponement of the previous two events due to Covid concerns, the annual South-West Skinny Dip is now set for its long-awaited return this coming June – and Britain Uncovered has the full lowdown with everything you need to know ahead of the big day.
Following on from the success of the inaugural event in 2019, SW Skinny – a charity skinny-dip which takes place in the South-West of England to raise funds for mental health charity, Mind – is finally set to return after two successive years of Covid-enforced postponements.
The event, which has raised over £6,500 for the mental health charity since its inception, will see in the region of 150 fundraisers baring all for a dip at Summerleaze Beach in Bude, Cornwall on the morning of Sunday, 19th June.
The organisers have explained to us that SW Skinny is primarily an event for those who hold mental health issues close to their heart. Furthermore, the fundraiser is designed for people to come together to make friends, share stories and confront their own personal demons by taking a step out of their comfort zones to challenge fears and insecurities, and – with the encouragement of camaraderie – running into the sea together sans clothing!
The fundraiser was originally founded by Ruth Hunt, a local resident who had battled with depression, who bravely overcame her insecurities to organise the skinny-dipping event. Today, the fundraiser continues to welcome those of all ages and from all walks of life, but it might particularly appeal to those who hold mental health issues close to their hearts – and Ruth and her fellow organisers have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement coming from both seasoned skinny-dippers and first-timers, who have really embraced the idea of taking the plunge together.
Despite last year’s event being cancelled, proceeds from the ticket sales were still kindly donated to Mind, resulting in an impressive £1,300 being sent to the charity even without the dip going ahead as planned. As a consequence, the SW Skinny has now raised a total of £6,663 for Mind during its lifetime, and organisers are hoping that this year’s event proves to be bigger and better than ever before.
This year, Ruth has decided to step down from running the event and has passed the baton to Martin Wilmore, who – with the help of his team (Dianne, Dawn and Andrew) – will be taking the event forward to continue to raise much-needed funds for Mind. Tickets are just £15 per person, with 100% of the proceeds donated to the charity, and participants can book these online via Eventbrite by clicking here.
Martin Wilmore, the new organiser of the event, remarks: “Never has the need to reach out for mental health support been greater than now, so come and join in with friends old and new, bare all, laugh out loud, have breakfast on the beach, eat cake and generally have fun! All the while raising money for this amazing charity, which needs our help more than ever after the last two years.”
Participants are encouraged to make a weekend of it should they wish to, with the picturesque area offering dippers the chance to explore some of Cornwall’s local beaches and walks before or after the event in question. SW Skinny also has an arrangement with the Broadclose Park Camp Site, where camping is available between June 16-22, but there are plenty of B&Bs and hotels to choose from in the local area also.
This event is supported by Cornwall Council and the Bude Surf Life Saving Club, both of which generously give their time and resources to the event.
SW Skinny takes place on Sunday, 19th June, 2022 with a 7.30am start time. For more information, visit the event’s official website at www.swskinny.org.uk, or purchase tickets directly from Eventbrite by clicking here. You can also keep tabs on the event by visiting SW Skinny’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
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