FANCY doing something festive for charity?

Organisers of a Christmas day swim are appealing for more participants to help boost their festive fundraising for the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital.

The White Christmas Dip takes place at Boscombe seafront on Christmas Day morning.

The event has become a regular on the festive calendar, growing in size over the years.

Started in 2008 by the Baker family, the event has become a tradition for many supporters of the unit at Christchurch Hospital, which is run by Macmillan Caring Locally.

It rapidly gained local interest and last year the charity made it one of their official events.

Last Christmas more than 300 people charged into the chilly seas watched by nearly 2,000 spectators on the shore.

It raised more than £25,000, and organisers have promised this event will be bigger and better.

Tommy Baker, who founded the event, said: “We’re really hoping to raise £35,000 for Macmillan Caring Locally, the local charity based in Christchurch Hospital.

“But we need more people to sign up. We’d love to have 500-600 people charge into the sea in fancy dress, and are looking for brave people to join us on Christmas day at 9:45am to the right of Boscombe pier.

“The event is lifeguarded and this year we are pleading for all participants to sign up via our website, and give the £5 recommended donation to the charity prior to the day.

“People can still sign up on the day, but we will be asking for a contribution of £10.”

Visit whitechristmasdip.co.uk for more information.