A DIP a day during January for a group of wild swimmers is taking place with the aim of raising money for homeless charity, Crisis.

Stuart Gledhill, from Malham, one of the group of dippers said the January Daily Dip 2024 for Crisis got underway in various venues across the country but for him and a group of fellow brave swimmers the month started with a chilly dip in Janet's Foss, near Stuart's home village. for a few of us it was a feisty dip in a bubbling Janet's Foss."

On this occasion he was joined by a couple from Lancashire, two swimmers from Silsden, two from Hebden Bridge and one from Long Preston.

Other guest swimmers will take part throughout the month at a variety of locations.

Stuart added: "Homelessness can’t be ignored any longer We are keen to share our story and to raise as much awareness and funding as we can."

The January Daily Dip is in its 7th year. So far the swimmers have raised nearly £145,000 for homeless and displaced people.

Stuart said: "We have grown from an original team of three and this year there are around 20 dippers, all taking the plunge in just our cossies and big smiles.

"We'll be sharing our stories and swimming adventures throughout January as well as having some guest dippers along as members of our support team. Everyone taking part is an experienced cold water swimmer and safety is a key consideration.

"In the seven years since the original January Daily Dip the situation has worsened with the cost of living crisis being headline news and its effect on individuals’ lives including an increase in homelessness alongside a move to criminalise those finding themselves without accommodation.

"Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. It helps people directly out of homelessness and campaigns for the changes needed."

The encounter in Janet's Foss was filmed and shown on BBC Look North where the swimmers assure people they take safety seriously and are all experienced.

Even Stuart confessed it wasn't particularly cold with the air temperature being a heady 7oC.

A JustGiving fundraising page called January Daily Dip 2024 has been created and can be found at: t.ly/cW9-c A £10,000 target has been set and just a few days into the challenge it already looks like it will be overtaken.

You can donate by clicking on the above link.

Follow the group on Stuart's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stuart.gledhill.5