Celebrating over 35 years
To add a little humour to this year's boxing day swim, local actor Dean Hollingsworth will be resurrecting the Karfelon Android, which he last played over 40 years ago in the Dr Who episodes Timelash.
The Doctor at that time was Colin Baker. This was Dean's first television appearance after training at The Central School of Speech and Drama. It was part of season 22 of Dr Who and is still available on BBC iplayer. The episodes are still shown around the world and last year were broadcast in the USA and Caribbean. The Karfelon Android had a distinctive blue face and yellow hair and Dean feels this would be an appropriate look for the boxing Day swim. In fact as he has never swum in the sea later than September and as this is his first Boxing day swim he may not need to wear the blue make up.
He is being supported by Guernsey Electricity who have designated Dean's swim as the last of their 125 good deeds they have supported this year to celebrate their 125 anniversary. In line with this, Dean has set himself the target to try to raise £1,250 for the Cheshire Home.
Dean also appeared in season 25 with Sylvester McCoy as the Robot Bus Conductor in The Greatest Show in The Galaxy, and in Casualty as the Tarzan-o-gram Jason in the Christmas episode 'These Things Happen'. He is now involved with the local film and theatre scene and recently directed a successful production of Julius Caesar for Moor Theatre.
The 2024 Skipton International Boxing Day Dip raised an incredible £12,652 for the Home!
All funds raised go towards the upkeep of the Guernsey Cheshire Home, where annual costs are in excess of one million.
Skipton International has partnered with the Guernsey Cheshire Home since 2022 to sponsor the popular annual Boxing Day Dip. Over 3,000 swimmers turned out on Cobo beach last year, many in fancy dress. The organisers gave out 2,500 mince pies, with mulled wine and hot drinks on offer.
All funds raised go towards the upkeep of the Home, where annual costs are currently around £1,400,000. With no States’ funding, the home is entirely reliant on fund raising and donations.
Skipton International has a proud history of supporting local community events such as the Boxing Day Dip. Known locally as ‘the bank with a heart’, it supports a number of community events across the Bailiwick, including the Skipton Swimarathon, which raised in excess of £80,000 for local good causes this year.
Susan Fouquier, Chief Executive Officer of Skipton International, said: "With our head office in Guernsey and colleagues who live and work in the island, community is at the heart of everything we do at Skipton International. Supporting events like the Boxing Day Dip is a fantastic way to give back and celebrate the incredible work of the Guernsey Cheshire Home. We’re proud to be involved and look forward to taking the plunge - whatever the weather!"
Mary Ellen Carter, Manager at Guernsey’s Cheshire Home commented: “The Boxing day Dip has become something of a Guernsey tradition and the sight of thousands of swimmers running towards the sea in their Santa hats is quite something. We are thrilled to partner with Skipton and, with their valuable support, we look forward to raising much-needed funds for the Cheshire Home.”
Donations to the Guernsey Cheshire Home can be made at www.giving.gg, or click the box below.
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