Second National Daily Dip Day Draws Crowds to Gyllyngvase Beach
A coastal challenge is turning heads in Cornwall as the second National Daily Dip 4 Dave Day brought swimmers, supporters, and a growing wave of awareness to Gyllyngvase Beach. Ruth Hitchcock, who has been swimming daily since 9 October 2023, invited locals and visitors to join her in continuing a 1,000-day mission started in memory of her husband, Dave Hitchcock, who battles neuroendocrine cancer.
What is Neuroendocrine Cancer?
Neuroendocrine cancer is a rare disease that originates in hormone-producing nerve cells. The condition can be slow-growing or aggressive, and it often presents a challenge for patients and families seeking treatment and support. The Daily Dip event series is designed not just to raise funds, but to elevate public understanding of a cancer that does not always receive widespread attention.
Ruth Hitchcock’s 1,000-Day Challenge
Ruth began her daily swims after learning of her husband’s diagnosis. She’s committed to completing 1,000 consecutive swims, a personal feat that highlights resilience in the face of a tough diagnosis. “I cannot sit back and let this destroy our lives without doing something,” she told supporters after this year’s dip. The endeavour has already raised nearly £45,000 for neuroendocrine cancer research, but Ruth insists the most important outcome is awareness and community involvement.
Second Annual Event: A Growing Wave of Support
Fittingly, Ruth noted a larger turnout than last year as swimmers gathered on the Cornish shore. “I’m overwhelmed, I think it’s brilliant… I think there’s more people here than last year,” she said, grateful for the public’s enthusiasm. Participants joined in at Gyllyngvase Beach, then returned to shore to cheer each other on and share stories about why they swim for Dave’s cause.
A Global Response
Ruth described a remarkable ripple effect of support from around the world. “There are another three or 400 people around the country doing it with us which is just unbelievable,” she said, noting messages and photos from swimmers in Australia, Bali, Greece, and Spain. The cross-border participation underscores how a local fundraiser can inspire a global network of supporters and patients alike.
A Future Milestone: The 1,000th Swim
Looking ahead, Ruth’s 1,000th daily swim is scheduled for 5 July 2026, a date that will mark nearly seven years of continuous swimming if she reaches it. Her husband, Dave, reflected on the emotional journey: he felt a “combination of proud that she’s doing it, worry especially if she’s going on her own… overall just proud of what she’s doing and achieving.”
Impact Beyond the Pool
Beyond the numbers, the Daily Dip series has created a supportive community for families affected by neuroendocrine cancer. Ruth’s ongoing commitment helps drive attention to rare cancers, encourages early fundraising for vital research, and fosters conversations that might accelerate breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment.
How You Can Get Involved
People who want to support the cause can participate in future dips or make donations to neuroendocrine cancer research. The event’s momentum demonstrates that small acts—like a daily swim—can compound into meaningful change for patients and families navigating this challenging disease.
Conclusion
As the second National Daily Dip Day closes, the shared spirit of determination shines as brightly as the sun on Cornwall’s coastline. Ruth Hitchcock’s unwavering commitment to her husband’s fight, coupled with a growing global community, illustrates how awareness and action can intertwine to drive progress against neuroendocrine cancer.
