Chilly Gyllyngvase charity dip
7:00am Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News
Chilly Gyllyngvase charity dip
A Falmouth fundraiser has taken to the icy seas either side of New Year in a last-minute chilly challenge designed to raise some charity cash.
Diana Mills joined scores of seasonal swimmers for the annual Gyllyngvase New Year's Day dip last Monday just hours after last taking the plunge at midday on December 31.
The plan for a dual dip was hatched the day before New Year's Eve, when Diana was working an evening shift at Asda.
A friend's coaxing, combined with memories of a mother who went for winter picnics with Diana before she passed away last year, persuaded her to go for it, she said.
“Huge crashing waves” hampered Diana's efforts on New Year's Eve but compared to the day afterwards the water was “cool.”
New Year's Day “was absolutely freezing,” she said, because of the sunny weather that made the sea feel even colder than it was.
Yet despite the teeth-chattering temperatures she pressed on.
Donations from friends and family have helped Diana raise a total of £300 for Helston-based disaster relief charity ShelterBox.
Any Packet readers inspired by Diana's efforts can donate to the charity directly, Diana said.
