by Rebecca Hannant
Hornsea’s North Beach turned blue at the weekend as more than 100 swimmers braved the chilly sea for a dip to raise awareness of male cancers.
On Sunday, March 2, open-water swimming group the Hornsea Dolphins hosted the Blue Balls Dip in aid of the cancer charity Orchid.
Orchid is the UK’s leading male cancer charity, aimed at raising awareness and funding research into testicular, penile and prostate cancer. For more than 25 years, the charity has been working to save men’s lives through support services, education and awareness campaigns and research programmes.
Orchid says that each year 55,000 men are diagnosed with one of the three male cancers in the UK, and 12,000 of those will die.
After raising money for Breast Cancer Now in 2024, the Dolphins decided to turn their attention to male cancers this year. The swim attracted scores of swimmers in blue costumes, while more than 1,000 people watched from the promenade.
The event also featured live music and stalls from local businesses, and the swim was supported by Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Hornsea Fire Station and Hornsea NCI.
Kate Spencer-Payne of the Hornsea Dolphins said: “The prom was absolutely packed. We had the Hornsea Shanty Lasses, the Beverley Male Voice Choir and the Hornsea Ceilidh Band, all playing at different times. And then we had tombolas and raffles. It was a carnival atmosphere – it was fabulous.
“We had so many people in amazing fancy dress – people really put a lot of time and effort into it.
“The weather was astonishing. We couldn’t have had a better day. The funniest thing was the Hornsea Inshore Rescue lifeboat bobbing about on the water as the sea was flat-calm, the sky was blue, there was a great atmosphere. Then as soon as the swimmers got into the sea, these two freakishly high waves came over and knocked them all over.
“We have had lots of support from groups such as the Hornsea Lions who paid for the insurance, and we had to have it OK’d by East Riding Council beforehand as we had to do risk assessments – quite a lot of legwork went on behind the event.
“My husband went in, and he only meant to go in up to his ankles. I think the wave went over his head. It was a great day for Hornsea. The day just vanished – it went so quickly.
“So many people were sponsored and then so many people who came down to watch were so generous. On the day we took about £2,500. It was phenomenal.”
In total, the Dolphins raised a grand total of £10,000 for the charity, including Gift Aid.
Kate added: “I would like to give a huge thank you to everybody who came and took part, and for helping us to raise so much money for Orchid, which is a great charity for men’s cancer. We hope that as well as raising lots of money, we will have raised awareness. It may also encourage people to go to their GP and get checked out.”
The event organisation was led by the Hornsea Dolphins’ Anna Chipchase alongside other members.
Ali Orhan, CEO of Orchid, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Anna for her outstanding efforts in organising the Blue Balls Dip, and for raising over £9,500, including Gift Aid and cash donations.
“Her dedication and passion are truly inspiring, and this incredible amount will make a real difference in our work supporting those affected by male cancers. On behalf of everyone at Orchid, thank you for your hard work, generosity, and commitment to our cause – we couldn’t do it without supporters like you.”
The charity supports men and their families through a range of services, including a freephone helpline that is available weekdays from 9am to 5.30pm on 0808 802 0010 or at [email protected].
To donate, visit justgiving.com/campaign/hornseadolphinsblueballsdip.