A New Year’s Day dook put on ice by prohibitive insurance costs has been thrown a lifeline.
The Limekilns Breakfast Dip was cancelled because the small, local charity to benefit was unable to pay for insurance but the event, which last time attracted hundreds of hardy dookers and spectators, is back on the 2015 calendar, thanks to a Dunfermline holiday firm.
Canvas Holidays has stepped in to pay the bill so that brave souls will be able to enjoy a bracing dip in the River Forth on January 1 after all.
Event organiser Alex Hill said the company had saved the day. “Words can’t explain how grateful I am for Canvas Holidays’ support,” he said.
“The dip is such a terrific event, all for a good cause, and it would have been a real shame for it to be cancelled for the first time since it began in 2006.
“Everyone who is considering doing it should definitely come along. What better way to kick off the new year?”
This year’s dip raised more than £1,300 for charity and next year’s proceeds will go to Canvas Holidays’ nominated charity, Fife Young Carers.
Dunfermline Advocacy, which provides support for vulnerable adults, had been selected as the beneficiary but had to pull out as the cost for one-off event insurance was too great.
When Canvas Holidays heard of the situation, it approached Alex and offered a helping hand that will also kick-start its anniversary celebrations.
Managing director Simon Allan said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to provide this charitable local event with the cash injection it needs to go ahead.
“The dip also gives our nominated charity an excellent opportunity to raise the funds it needs to support young carers in Fife.
“This is the first of a number of initiatives planned to celebrate Canvas Holidays’ 50 years in business.
“We are certainly starting 2015 with a splash, with a team from Canvas signed up to take part in the dip.”
The company has also donated a holiday voucher for a raffle prize.
Other companies are helping out, with a marquee being supplied by Bridgeview Joinery and catering by the Ship Inn.
The dip will take place at Limekilns Promenade at midday and participants should arrive for registration at 11am.