Hundreds of swimmers are expected to attend this year’s annual Christmas Day Dip at Boscombe for the Macmillan Unit hospice in Christchurch – including the newborn grandson of the man who inspired the event.
John White VI was born on December 8th and is the son of the Dip’s co-founder, also John White.
John and his cousin Tommy Baker came up with the idea for the Dip in 2008.
The pair, both keen swimmers, wanted to raise money for the Macmillan Unit hospice as John’s father, also called John, was successfully treated for cancer.
The very first Dip saw John and Tommy joined by six family members.
The event, which takes place next to Boscombe Pier, now attracts hundreds of participants and their supporters, many in fancy dress.
More than £300k has been raised to date for Macmillan Caring Locally, which supports the Unit in caring for over 1,600 terminally ill people and their families each year.
John’s new baby son will attend this year’s Dip.
John said: “We’ve been waiting patiently for him to arrive and it’s only right he should be part of it all. When he’s a little bigger we will let him dip too, although I don’t think my wife Amy will allow it this year! But he will be there in fancy dress, and that’s what counts.”
Also taking part for the first time this year is Tom Woodley, who has a poignant reason for supporting the ‘Mac Unit.’
Tom’s father, David Woodley, 82, spent his final weeks being cared for at the hospice in 2022.
He said: “Dad had Pulmonary Fibrosis of the lungs and had been cared for at home by mum before going into the Mac Unit. From day one knew he was receiving truly excellent care and that he was able to make the decisions he wanted.
“We could go in and see him whenever we wished and his nurses were fantastic, providing everything he needed and making him laugh by pulling his leg.
“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Dip. I’m sure Dad would have loved it and it’s good to know I’m doing something to help the Unit’s amazing work.”
Tommy Baker said: “We have around 200 people signed up already and we usually have a last-minute rush of entrants. It’s a brilliant occasion, with music, refreshments, a lot of laughter and some amazing costumes. We hope families, friends and groups of workmates will sign up, pay the £7.50 knowing it will be going to a great charity, and join us for a Christmas morning to remember.”
Trust Secretary of the Macmillan Caring Locally charity, which supports the Unit, Neal Williams, said: “Tommy, John and now Baby John, are our absolute heroes. As is everyone who takes part in the Dip.
“This is our biggest fundraising event and without the boys driving this forward it would not have been the massive success it is.
“We hope people will join them and the many of us from the unit for this amazing event. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it!”
The Dip takes place at 9.45am on December 25th and costs £7.50 to take part. For more information and to sign up visit: www.whitechristmasdip.co.uk
