Based at our Northern Ireland satellite office, Denise joined Benussi & Co. in 2007 and is one of our Senior Associates. Described as “an outstanding international family law expert” by the Legal 500 we couldn’t be prouder of her… or so we thought.
In December, Denise decided to take part in Cancer Research’s ‘12 Dips of Christmas Challenge’. This would see her take open water dips and/or swim at least 12 times during the month. In total the challenge saw Denise raise £623.75 for this incredible cause!
People throughout the country took on the challenge, and together have raised £585,240.78. Don’t worry if you didn’t get a chance to donate before, donations are still being accepted
We spoke to Denise following her impressive achievement and her newfound love for this remarkable sport is intoxicating. Here’s what she said:
My cousin began open-water swimming in June 2023 and raved about it. She was so passionate about the sport that I decided to give it a go in July. I was very apprehensive but once I was in the water, my nerves dissipated. I carried on throughout the Summer and signed up to the ‘12 Dips of Christmas’ challenge to push myself to carry on into the Winter.
The last time I went in the sea around the British Isles or Ireland was probably 35 years ago, as a child on holiday in Donegal. I live near the coast now and would often see groups go open water swimming as I walked my dog along the shore. It always seemed crazy, but now I’m a convert.
Currently, I would say the water temperature is between 7-8oC, and outside it’s about 0oC. For safety, I always go with a group, and we are very careful not to stay in the water too long. It’s remarkable how quickly you adjust to the temperature so we always time ourselves to make sure we’re safe.
Bizarrely I think taking a cold water shower would be much more difficult.
I began in July and was very concerned about the cold. I initially wore a wetsuit, hat, gloves… the works, but once I submerged my body I didn’t really notice it. Now I just wear a swimming costume, neoprene gloves, bobble hat and wet shoes. I simply love the feeling of the cold water on my skin.
Some people rush into the water but I prefer to enter slowly and steadily. This allows my body to adjust much more easily.
I’m the last person anyone would think would enjoy it but I honestly would encourage everyone to give it a go.
The ‘12 Dips of Christmas’ challenge really helped me to stay committed to the sport into winter and now I miss it if I’m unable to go due to weather. I even went on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day!
It’s free, accessible and most importantly the group doesn’t see it as a competition. Where I go we have a 78-year-old lady and an 84-year-old lady who are there and still dipping most days. Everyone is happy doing their own thing. Some people do lengths while others will stand and chat, there’s no pressure or fitness level requirement.
This is a tough one as there are numerous aspects I love.
There is something very special about being at head level in the water. I never cease to marvel at the light as it falls on the bay’s horizon. It almost harks back to childhood and that child at the beach feeling we all know so well.
Many comment on how the water helps to blow away the cobwebs and clear brain fog. It leaves you feeling alive and with great clarity. As well as physical benefits, I really enjoy the social side of the group too.
Two key occasions spring to mind. 1 – We have been very lucky with wildlife. There have been occasions when we have spotted dolphins and seals in the bay with us. One seal in particular was very inquisitive! Ducks and swans are almost always around and so far we haven’t had any jellyfish encounters!
2 – In August it was a big birthday for one of our group and their whole family came to celebrate. The three sisters, all in their 70’s and 80’s, were in the water enjoying it. It’s lovely to see a family come together like that to share an experience.
I prefer to go first thing when it is light, but other groups go throughout the day. Being in a bay we are very weather dependent. There have been 10 days in the last fortnight where it hasn’t been safe and I really miss it.
Absolutely! You do need to be safe though so I recommend always having a marker in the water, only going when the water is calm and always being with someone or in a group.
Cancer Research put a document together with health and safety tips. I think you’ll find it useful.
I would love to! Even if you’re not near the sea there are usually local groups who know the safe spots to make open water swimming possible.
