Try splashing out in Porty on Boxing Day

Portobello residents who spot crowds of freezing bathers frolicking in the sea this Boxing Day will be forgiven for thinking they have enjoyed a bit too much festive cheer.

But in fact, Edinburgh’s seaside is to play host to its first Boxing Day Dip in the Sea in aid of children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

It is hoped around 100 brave fundraisers will sign up for the chilly event. The charity held its first Boxing Day dip at Prestwick Beach six years ago.

Since then, the freezing fundraiser has proven so popular, it is now being held at seven locations across Scotland –with Portobello the latest to be added to the list.

Event manager Emma Bashford said: “We’re really hoping residents of Portobello and Edinburgh get behind this. It will be a lot of fun, but also raise a lot of money for children with cancer and their families.

“Portobello seemed a really obvious gap in the coastal venues where we already have Boxing Day Dips across Scotland.

“This kind of fundraising event is really important for us – at the moment CLIC Sargent can only support two out of three families and we need to continue raising vital funds so we can help all families who have a child with cancer.”

CLIC Sargent offers support to children suffering from cancer and their families from the moment they are diagnosed.

Assistance is offered during treatment, by providing specialist nurses and play specialists in hospital and at home. The charity also assists with services for young people, holidays, grants and offers help after treatment – helping survivors and supporting those bereaved.

Those who put their name down for the Boxing Day dip must raise a minimum sponsorship of £100.

Asked why the events were proving so popular, Emma said: “Let’s be honest – this is probably not something people would tend to do on Boxing Day and we find people like to challenge themselves and do unusual things to raise money.

“Some people totally embrace the event and get dressed up in Santa suits or fancy dress and a lot of people do it in bikinis. But many people just put on a CLIC Sargent T-shirt over their clothes. The participants will just go in so far to the sea – it’s not a case of going and having to swim any kind of distance.” To find out more, contact Emma on 07903 934 928 or e-mail [email protected].