There’s no feeling quite like running into the icy North Sea says Donna Deans, one of the hardy souls taking the plunge at Aberdeen Beach on Boxing Day in aid of charity.
While reaching for Christmas Day leftovers will undoubtedly be the most strenuous activity many of us will do on December 26, Donna will be bracing herself for the goosebump inducing Boxing Day Nippy Dip.
Organised by Aberdeen Lions Club, the breathtaking annual event, which has been a part of the city’s festive calendar for more than 30 years, will see fearless folk storm into the freezing waters off Aberdeen beach to raise money for a charity of their choice.
Cold water therapy
Something of a cold water aficionado, this will be the fourth year Donna, who is the fundraising team lead for the north-east children’s charity Charlie House, will brave the Baltic waters.
Your Life caught up with Donna at her ‘warm-up’ dip to find out why she loves it so much.
“I don’t know what it is, you just feel exhilarated, happy and you think ‘oh that was amazing’, says Donna who is raising money for Charlie House, the Aberdeen-based charity which supports children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.
“It’s such good fun because there’s so many people around you, dressed up in different costumes.”
Freezing fun
Opting to wear cycling shorts and a bright orange Charlie House T-shirt, Donna and her fellow plungers will run into the sea, submerge for a teeth-chattering two minutes before shivering their way back on to dry land.
“It’s freezing but it’s really good fun,” says Donna.
“And it’s really weird because I’m not big on doing challenges and I’m not particularly sporty so it’s a really nice one to do because you don’t have to train for it.
“It’s all over in two minutes and the best thing about it is that you can eat as much as you like over the festive season because you need extra layers for warmth.”
Post-dip tea and bacon roll
Dipping alongside Donna will also be her grown-up children Megan, 21, and Matthew, 18, while her husband Norman will be on post-dunk tea and bacon roll duties.
“It’s great that it’s on Boxing Day as it just gives you the incentive to just get up and go and do something and because you’re doing it for charity it’s a lovely feeling,” says Donna.
“Megan and Matthew have always done it with me so it’s really good fun.
“My husband Norman is on tea and bacon roll duty, that’s tradition.”
Seas the day
Over the years, Donna says the temperature of the North Sea has varied in chilliness.
“I do remember one year we were standing about and it was absolutely Baltic so we were all huddling together to keep warm,” says Donna.
“I think because it was freezing outside when we got into the sea I thought actually this isn’t too bad because the sea was a bit warmer than the actual air.
“But then the next year it was completely the opposite way round, it was quite balmy outside and the sea was cold.”
Take deep breaths
With plenty of cold water practice, Donna has some advice for any first timers.
“We just run in, because if you just go in baby steps you’ll never do it,” says Donna.
“It takes your breath away so really try to relax, take deep breaths and try not to panic.
“Some people go in and totally swim in it.
“I go up to chest height but I don’t put my head under.
“I wear cycling shorts and a Charlie House T-shirt with some sort of hat, sometimes a Santa hat.
“It’s better to wear as little clothes as possible.
“Lots of people wear funny costumes which is great.”
Good causes
The post-water dip advice is equally as important.
“You feel numb when you come out so you have to wait a wee while before you have a hot shower otherwise you’ll go a bit tingly,” says Donna.
“I usually wait a good half an hour before having a hot shower.”
Working at Charlie House, Donna sees at first hand how the money raised makes a huge difference to children and their families across the north-east.
“This is something I can do to give back to Charlie House and to help to raise money for the families as it’s just a really special place,” she says.
“I always get quite emotional when I do things for Charlie House because it’s such an achievement and I take it very personally.”
Wonderful organisers
Ahead of the dip, Donna is keen to thank the organisers for making it such a success.
“I want to thank Aberdeen Lions Club for supporting the charities involved and supporting Charlie House every year,” says Donna.
“Without their support we couldn’t do this and it’s nice that they recognise the different charities in Aberdeen.”
The event will take place at 10.30am on December 26 at Aberdeen Beach, starting from Aberdeen Beach Leisure Centre.
People can register for the Boxing Day Nippy Dip on the Aberdeen Lions Club website www.aberdeenlionsclub.org.uk
Or to sponsor Donna, check out her Just Giving page.
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