UP TO 30 people took the plunge off Altinkum Beach at midday today (FRI DEC 26) to mark the first Boxing Day dip and raise more then 1,000 YTL in aid of the town’s street animals.
Under a perfect sunny sky and with a still breeze, the swimmers were watched and cheered on by upwards of 200 people as they raced into the Aegean Sea for a sponsored five minute swim.
The residents and animal lovers had responded to a challenge thrown down by Didim Friends of Animals Charity spokesman Gill Erer to raise money to help feed homeless animals over the winter period in the resort.
But even Gill admitted that she was dumb-founded by the “fantastic response” from the general public as hordes of people joined the swimmers on the beach. The swim also attracted TV stations and media coverage from across Turkey.
Many of the swimmers admitted that after the first minute of walking into the sea, the rest of the five minutes was relatively fine, and all were able to walk back to Big Ben’s restaurant for hot mulled wine.
The event led to the reunion of two friends for the first time in 30 years. Heather Winters and Carol Pamby had not seen each other for three decades, but, unbeknown to each other, had agreed to do the swim.
It was only when they glanced at each other during the pre-publicity photo-shoot that they realized each other. And ironically, Heather and Carol, who come from Oundle, near Peterborough, have bought properties in the resort. Heather now lives in Altinkum, while Carol bought her property about 18 months ago.
Heather said: “We can’t believe that a swim on Boxing Day would have reunited two friends who have not seen each other for 30 years. It is brilliant,”
Other swimmers included Bob Giles and his neighbour Yunus Khan from Akbuk; Martin and Georgia Foord, Mary Smithson, Neil Stevenson; Phil Johns and a host of other residents and animal lovers. Council Vet Ali Durmus also took part.
Swimmer Georgia Foord said: “When I walked into the sea I couldn’t breathe at first. But I got used to the cold and after that it was ok. But it was freezing when I came out.”
Former soldier Neil Stevenson added: “Being an-mountain soldier, I have been in colder situations, but it was fine. I am just glad some many people have responded and I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me for the event.”
Gill Erer, who sported an animal costume for the swim, said: “I would like to thank everyone who turned out and supported the swimmers, and who have sponsored them. It was a brilliant response and I hope that it will now become an annual event.”
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