Over 200 dippers start New Year with a splash to raise money for Lake District Calvert Trust

More than 200 New Year well-wishers from Cumbria and beyond had an exhilarating start to 2023 with the Lake District Calvert Trust’s first New Year’s Day Dip.

Sponsored by Alpkit, the Dip took place at Derwentwater at 11 am on New Year’s Day.

The Dip was free to take part in but swimmers were invited to make a voluntary donation to help ensure that people with disabilities continue to benefit from the great outdoors thanks to the amazing work of the Lake District Calvert Trust.

“Our daring dippers made this event a huge success,” said Yvonne Booth, Fundraising Officer for the Lake District Calvert Trust. “We are so grateful for everyone’s support. The generosity and enthusiasm from the local community exceeded our expectations and we’ve already had people looking to reserve their place for next year!”

Said Sean Day, Centre Director for the Lake District Calvert Trust:

“2023 is such an important year for the Lake District Calvert Trust and our New Year Day’s Dip started it in style. All funds raised on the day will be used to help people with disabilities enjoy the benefits of outdoor adventure at Calvert Lakes.”

The Lake District Calvert Trust has a busy fundraising calendar over the next 12 months.

Examples include the Trust’s Around the Bays in 80 Days challenge, where participants are encouraged to dip or swim in 30 bays listed on a map around the Lake District in 80 days. There’s also the Calvert 4x4 Extreme, a disability friendly challenge where people can walk, roll, push or wheel around 4 amazing routes local to the Lake District. Individuals can also raise money for the Trust through their own fundraising challenges as well as competing in events such as the Great Cumbrian Run, the Great North Run and the London Marathon (just one place left for 2023!).

In addition, the Lake District Calvert Trust is appealing to local companies to select the Trust as its charity of choice for 2023. The charity has also launched a series of new training days to encourage businesses of all sizes to actively engage with Disability Awareness in the workplace for the benefit of both employees and customers.

Added Sean Day:

“The work we carry out wouldn’t be possible without fundraising from events such as our New Year’s Day Dip. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and commitment of our supporters.”

Anyone interested in fundraising for the Lake District Calvert Trust should contact Yvonne Booth - [email protected] or go to www.calvertlakes.org.uk.