Second National Daily Dip Day Raises NEC Awareness in Cornwall
In a spirited show of community support, Cornwall welcomed swimmers for the second National Daily Dip 4 Dave Day, a daily-swim challenge that has grown into a nationwide movement to raise awareness and funds for neuroendocrine cancer (NEC). The event was sparked by Ruth Hitchcock, who has completed 733 days of her 1,000-day swim challenge as she continues to fundraise in memory of her husband, Dave Hitchcock, who battles NEC.
A Personal Mission with Broad Reach
Ruth began swimming daily on 9 October 2023 after Dave was diagnosed with NEC, a rare form of cancer that originates in hormone-producing nerve cells. The couple’s goal is twofold: fuel research into NEC and elevate public understanding of the disease, which often remains under the radar. Ruth’s commitment is both a tribute to Dave and a call to action for others who may be affected by NEC in its many forms.
From Cornwall to the World: A Growing Movement
The second edition of the event drew even larger crowds on Gyllyngvase Beach, with Ruth expressing her gratitude and surprise at the turnout. “I’m overwhelmed, I think it’s brilliant… I think there’s more people here than last year,” she said, noting that the local wave of support reflects a broader, international wave of participation. Since the first dip, volunteers and supporters have joined from across the globe, underscoring the movement’s international resonance.
Raising Funds, Raising Awareness
Ruth has already raised close to £45,000 for NEC research. Yet, she emphasizes that the most critical aspect of the mission is awareness. “There are another three or 400 people around the country doing it with us which is just unbelievable,” she said. The ripple effect has reached swimmers in Australia, Bali, Greece, and Spain, who have begun sharing their own pictures and progress. The sense of global solidarity is a powerful reminder that NEC affects people everywhere, and shared stories can accelerate breakthroughs.
Why the Daily Dip Matters
The daily swims provide a tangible, accessible way for people to engage with a complex disease that often goes unrecognised by the wider public. Each splash serves as a reminder that NEC research needs sustained funding and attention. For Ruth, the ritual is also a beacon of resilience—an ongoing demonstration that real-world action can complement medical advances and policy initiatives.
Looking Ahead: A 1,000-Day Milestone
The next milestone in Ruth and Dave’s journey is Ruth’s 1,000th daily swim, slated for 5 July 2026. The long-term goal continues to galvanise supporters, attract new donors, and keep NEC in the public eye. Dave reflects on the personal dimension of the campaign: a mix of pride in Ruth’s determination and concern for her safety when she swims alone. Yet his overarching sentiment is one of admiration for what she is achieving and the impact it has on families affected by NEC.
Community Impact and How You Can Help
Anyone can join the effort by taking part in a daily dip, donating to NEC research, or simply spreading awareness. Ruth’s message to would-be participants is clear: small steps can yield meaningful, cumulative change. As more people sign up around the world, the National Daily Dip 4 Dave Day continues to grow into a sustained, global movement that honours those living with neuroendocrine cancer while driving progress in science and care.
Quotes from the Day
“I’m overwhelmed, I think it’s brilliant… I think there’s more people here than last year.”
“There are another three or 400 people around the country doing it with us which is just unbelievable.”
“I cannot sit back and let this disease destroy lives without doing something.”
The Path Forward
As Ruth nears the 1,000-day mark, the Daily Dip remains a symbol of community resilience, medical advocacy, and compassionate action. With public participation expanding across borders and a fundraising pace that continues to climb, the National Daily Dip 4 Dave Day is more than a charity event—it is a movement toward greater NEC awareness and a brighter, more informed future for research and treatment.
