
by Rebecca Hannant
The co-founders of a Hornsea swimming group have been given a special thank you from the BBC’s One Show.
On Thursday, January 9, Hornsea Dolphins co-founders Kate Spencer-Payne and Jacky Teeman were surprised with the One Big Thank You, which showcases groups and individuals across the UK who are champions in their communities.
Kate and Jacky had been asked to meet on Hornsea beach for an interview with weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, which they believed was going to be shown on Look North. However, unknown to them, a team of Hornsea Dolphins were just a short distance away, waiting to surprise them with the news about their award.
Kate said: “It was a complete surprise. We thought we were being invited down to the beach for a two-minute talk. I looked lost as we spoke about why we cold-water swim. Even when I saw Carol the weather lady, I still didn’t realise that it wasn’t Look North.”
The pair were nominated by Hornsea Dolphins member Tracey Riley, who said that she wanted to give back to the pair after finding friendships and support from the group.
Tracey said: “I was going through the menopause and researching self-help. I came across cold-water swimming as a therapy, so I joined the group. It wasn’t long before I was hooked! I think most of us are mothers, wives and workers and this group became something just for me.
“Kate and Jacky started organising more and more social events alongside the swimming. This all became such a huge part of my life. The group has allowed me to be myself and find myself again.
“I emailed The One Show back in February 2024. It was a while before I heard anything, and I had forgotten about it. They got in touch several weeks later saying they had to run it all past The One Show and told me that there was no guarantee that they would choose my nomination. They also told me that I had to keep the possible surprise a secret from Kate and Jacky.
“A couple of weeks later, around the end of March, they got in touch to say that the producers loved the sound of it. Then the hard work began! I had to gather as many photos and video footage as possible to send to them. They also asked me to rally the Dolphins to record their own personal ‘thank you’ videos. They needed to record themselves for no more than 15 seconds.
“My biggest issue was who could I recruit without the secret getting out? So, I chose very carefully. I was struggling by the end of May, so I decided that I needed some help. I contacted Dolphins Nicola, Chris, Jane, Anna and Paddy. They were shocked but very happy to help and felt honoured that I had trusted them. We had meetings and set to work.
“After sending the producers all that they had asked for, we waited again. There were several attempts to do the surprise. Unfortunately, logistics meant that they fell through. There were more secret group chats than you could shake a stick at. It was very stressful at the time but finally, in October, we did it.
“It was a massive relief after months of planning and secrecy as well as a few white lies. The emotion I felt when they revealed it to Kate and Jacky was a whole six months’ worth.”
Kate added: “It was a complete and total surprise to Jacky and me. We had no idea it was going on. We were totally deceived by about 40 people for about six months.
“So many friendships have been made in this group, and so many people have met that would not have met otherwise. It was a fantastic day, and a fantastic evening when it was shown as well. We had loads of comments from people.
“We also have lots of other groups which have sprung up. We’ve got a crocheting group, we’ve got people who have weekends away. We do all sorts of things apart from just cold-water swimming, so although we’re beach-based as a group, it’s all about women and supporting women.”
The Hornsea Dolphins host regular meet-ups and welcome new members. To find out more, visit their Facebook group.