Brrrave ‘dipper’ urges residents to join her at Sue Ryder’s cold-water charity challenge

Gloucester resident Helen Hopkins (40) is preparing to take part for the third year running. She will be cold-water dipping in honour of her husband, Dan, who was cared for at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in the final days of his life before he died in July 2018.

“Dan was cared for at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice for about two weeks. It had become a second home for us. My son was only nine months old when his dad passed away, so when he came to the hospice with us, the nurses would look after him.

“They gave me back my job of being his wife, as opposed to being a carer. The staff was amazing, and the support after Dan died was brilliant too. I continue to sing their praises.” Helen recalls.

With her Mum, son George, and friends cheering from the sidelines, Helen is ready to brave the chilly water again. She hopes to inspire more people to join the challenge or donate to the cause.

“I started doing open water swimming with a relative and I thought, this is amazing,” shared Helen. “And, I think to myself, it’s only going to be a minimal amount of pain to raise that amount of money for the people who are in a lot more pain than I’m in,” said Helen.

“There are hundreds of people at the event, and even though you may not know everyone, they are so supportive and always smile and ask if you’re alright. Some of the Sue Ryder Nurses take part, and other staff and volunteers do it too. Father Christmas comes along, and he’s amazing."

“It helps to be slightly mad when you’re fundraising,” she laughs, “But, last year, I was so proud of myself and I could see my husband going: ‘you’re mad! what is it doing for you?’ – ‘well because I can, so why shouldn’t I?’.

Jemma Luker, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting the Big Dip Cheltenham again this year, an event that brings our community together for a wonderful cause.

"It’s thanks to people like Helen and all of our brave dippers that we can continue to provide our vital services, offering expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support. We encourage everyone to join in, take the plunge, or donate to help us to be there when it matters.”

This year’s Sue Ryder Big Dip Cheltenham is set to take place at Sandford Parks Lido on December 1 between 12-2pm, with swimmers setting off in waves into the water. The event is open to those aged 16 years and over. All abilities are welcome, and participants are encouraged to dip at their own pace.

Those taking part can grab a warming drink, listen to Christmas carols, see a festive musical performance by the Musicality Community Choir and meet Father Christmas. After their dip, swimmers can then enjoy a warm-up Zumba lesson.                        

Registration costs £10 with a £50 fundraising target. The first 150 fundraisers who raise £50 will receive an exclusive Sue Ryder beanie hat to collect on the day perfect for keeping warm after taking the plunge!

To sign up for The Big Dip visit Sue Ryder’s Big Dip event page or contact the hospice’s fundraising team directly.

To donate to Helen’s fundraising total visit her Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/helen-hopkins-1726747369494?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fhelen-hopkins-1726747369494&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share