Cold water swimmers in Falmouth will be feeling even 'chillier' next weekend when they use their passion to help raise money for victims of Ukraine war.

A large gathering at Falmouth’s Gyllynvase Beach is being planned at 12 noon on Sunday, March 20, with a number of swimming groups coming together for a mass Chilly Chill Dip on the beach. Swimmers are being asked to come together in groups and to have a dip, followed by a dish of chilli, in return for a donation to the Ukraine crisis.

Hotel resort St Michaels is offering free chilli to its members for donations and Gylly Beach Cafe is matching the cost of all food and drink bought from the takeaway kiosk by Chilly Dippers and donating to the Red Cross.

Organiser Kathy Drake, a keen Cornish sea swimmer said: “During our daily swim in the sea someone asked what we could do to help the people in Ukraine and we came come up with the idea of the "Chilly Chilli Dip".

“ It"s simply a gathering of swimmers to have a swim or dip, eat chilli and make a personal donation to the Red Cross. A bit like the McMillan Coffee Morning concept. It"s our way of coming together, doing something we love, talking about what is happening and giving what we can to try and help.

“We’ve put together a pack so swimmers can organise their own event and we are hoping that if the idea catches on lots of people can spread the word and make this a nationwide event”.

The event is part of a national campaign with swimming groups across the country are being asked to come together and have a dip, followed by a dish of chilli.

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Participants can choose their preferred time and venue, taking their chilli to the beach, lake or riverside in flasks, warmed up on site, or enjoyed back at an organiser’s house after their dip.

The Red Cross has been suggested as the preferred charity for donations, with participants being asked to donate direct, or alternatively to other charities of their choice. You can donate here.

Organisers have put together a pack: Please click here

For Instagram details Please click here:

Although the campaign was set up a few days ago, it is already gathering momentum, with dips already taking place in Cornish waters and Scottish lochs.