"They loved it": Smiling swimmers brave freezing Boxing Day Dip in Lee-on-the-Solent for charity - pictures

Dozens of people braved the waves at Lee-on-the-Solent beach this morning (December 26). Donning festive costumes or swimming attire, they dashed into the water for a merry morning.

Organiser Linda Jaques said the swim was turned into an annual tradition. She told The News: “It was absolutely beautiful, still and cold. It was like a millpond out there. The sun came out and the wind picked up a little as the swim started, but it was still when we arrived. The conditions were absolutely perfect.

“The people who attended loved it. They went in a bit nervous, but all came out with smiles on their faces. They thoroughly enjoyed it.”

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The event was organised in support of the Harbour Cancer Support Centre in Stoke Road, Gosport, that offers practical and emotional support to those affected by the condition. Just over £1,300 was raised in last year’s dip.

Ms Jaques said fellow organiser Carole was diagnosed with cancer and reached out to the service while undergoing chemotherapy. “She’s used some of their services, so it has been a bit more poignant this year,” she added.

Swimming in the sea on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day has become a tradition for many. “It’s just to say that you’ve done it really,” Ms Jaques added, “but this is for charity, that’s why we organise it. It’s sort of a tradition, with Boxing Day and New Year’s Day being the traditional day for dips.

“Families get together and people from across the country joined us today. It’s a very practical charity with lots of support for people in the area.”

Harbour Cancer Support Centre organises drop-in services, counselling, support for children, befriending, complementary therapies, and other programmes. Further information can be found on the NHS website here.