Second National Daily Dip 4 Dave Day kicks off in Cornwall
In Cornwall, a remarkable charity challenge is gaining momentum for a second year running. Ruth Hitchcock, who began a 1,000-day swimming mission on 9 October 2023, invited the public to join her for the second National Daily Dip 4 Dave Day on Gyllyngvase Beach. The event is a tribute to her husband, Dave Hitchcock, who is living with neuroendocrine cancer, a rare disease that originates in hormone-producing nerve cells.
Why Ruth is swimming—and what neuroendocrine cancer means
Ruth started her daily swims after Dave’s cancer diagnosis, determined to turn a personal challenge into a broader mission. Neuroendocrine cancers (NETs) are a diverse group of tumors that can be slow-growing or aggressive, and they often require specialized research to improve diagnosis and treatment. Ruth’s daily swims are about more than endurance; they are a plea for awareness, funding, and faster progress in a field that desperately needs it.
Public participation and a growing movement
On the day of the dip, a steady stream of swimmers turned out to support Ruth and Dave. She said she was overwhelmed and thrilled by the turnout, noting, “I’m overwhelmed, I think it’s brilliant… I think there’s more people here than last year.” The event has sparked interest from across the country and around the world. Ruth highlighted that three to four hundred other supporters are taking part nationwide, with swimmers in Australia, Bali, Greece, and Spain sharing their pictures and stories. This global reach shows how a local Cornwall event can resonate far beyond its shores.
Raising funds, raising awareness
Financial support remains a key goal for the Daily Dip, with Ruth and her supporters having raised nearly £45,000 for neuroendocrine cancer research. Yet Ruth emphasizes that the most vital part of the campaign is awareness. “There are another three or 400 people around the country doing it with us which is just unbelievable,” she said, underscoring the sense of community she has built. The public contribution helps researchers push forward with new trials, better diagnostic approaches, and improved patient care for NETs.
Personal resolve behind the 1,000-day challenge
This week’s dip included reflections on the journey so far and the road ahead. Ruth’s husband’s cancer, which is incurable, motivates her to press on. “I cannot sit back and do nothing; that would destroy our lives,” she explained. The couple’s shared mission has drawn national attention to a rare disease that often lacks visibility. Ruth’s daily swims symbolize resilience, hope, and the power of community involvement in health advocacy.
Looking to the future
Ruth’s 1,000th daily swim is scheduled for 5 July 2026, a milestone that will require sustained public engagement and ongoing fundraising. Dave Hitchcock, reflecting on his wife’s quest, described feeling a mix of pride and worry. He said he’s proud of what Ruth is achieving, even as he worries about her safety when she swims alone at times. The couple’s partnership illustrates how personal stories can galvanize support and drive meaningful conversation about neuroendocrine cancer research and care.
How you can help
People interested in supporting the cause can seek out local Dip events, donate to NET research organizations, or share information to raise awareness about neuroendocrine cancer. Every contribution—whether a donation, a story, or a social post—helps bring NETs into sharper focus for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. Ruth’s voice continues to mobilize communities to stand up for those affected by neuroendocrine cancer and to push for faster progress in treatments and outcomes.
