Strabane ladies making waves in the Atlantic to combat cancer

THIS November will see a bevy of brave, and some may say foolhardy, souls brave the icy depths of the Atlantic Ocean all in the name of charity. The second annual ‘Making Waves For Cancer Sea Dip’, organised by Strabane women Siobhan Doherty, Una Patton and Angela Porter-McHugh, takes place next month on Rossnowlagh beach.

Siobhan explains, “This is our second Sea Dip, this time in aid of the Foyle Hospice, as each year we pick a different cancer charity. Last year’s dip was a great success, raising almost £5,300, and we’re hoping to repeat the feat this year. We had three ladies, Sinead McDermott Ann Marie McColgan and Hayley Devine, who dressed up for the dip last time, and will do the same this year as well.

“Over 300 people were involved last time out, and it would be brilliant to repeat that number – if not break it.

“The world record for number of people involved in a sea dip is 1,799.

“I doubt we’ll reach that amount… But you never know!”

Siobhan admits that a dip in the ocean in practically the mouth of Christmas might seem like an ‘appealing proposition’, but insists it’s not as bad as people think.

“I know what people think – November, cold water – and might shy away. But, having done it, I can safely say that, after you get through the initial shock of going in, the water is actually quite warm. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like a bath or anything, but the water is definitely manageable.

“Once you get in and get used to the temperature it’s a great feeling, and you feel unreal when you get out.”

Outside of the dip itself, the festivities will continue with warm tea and buns to replenish heat, and spot prizes for entrants.

Anyone willing to brave the water is encouraged to be at Rossnowlagh beach at 2pm on the November 6.

Registration for the event is £10 and can be found at ‘register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Makingwavesforcancer?fbclid=IwAR2ammxbD 42X3Ani1M1sl6XWhIhReGm9N2WKPxX3BAVurXX6eg1K2e4PSs’.

All entrants will be entered into the prize draw, and all donations to this worthy cause are welcomed.