IT’S not every day that more than 100 people shed every stitch of their clothing to go for a swim at Dollymount Beach.
However, recently these brave souls did just that to raise funds for charity at this year’s ARC Dip in the Nip.
The exact location was kept a closely guarded secret until the day before the event which was open to women and men over 18.
Speaking about the challenge, Mairead Mangan, Head of Fundraising at ARC, said: “The ARC Dip in the Nip reconnects ‘Dippers’ with their bodies – it’s as though they fall in love with their bodies yet again.
“It gives ‘Dippers’ something joyous, life affirming, personal and unique. It is a real equaliser and truly puts everything into perspective.
“Most ‘Dippers’ have never skinny-dipped before (or so they tell us!) and they do for a variety of reasons – helping ARC a charity close to their heart, doing something that pushes their own boundaries, giving themselves a challenge or simply ticking something off their bucket list.”
ARC, which has two centres in Dublin, provides a range of professional support, counselling and complementary therapy services to men and women affected by cancer in a non-hospital environment. Whether someone has recently been diagnosed with cancer, is in recovery, or is a family member or friend of someone with cancer, the centres offer a warm and caring environment to nurture the individual, relieve their stress and anxiety, and encourage healing.
All of the services at the ARC centres are free of charge.