A couple who first met at a charity swim on Christmas Eve in Co Down have stated they will honor their relationship by participating in the event annually.
Wearing red swimsuits and Santa hats, crowds of people assembled from 10am at Helen’s Bay to get ready before diving in.
Participants included Rebecca Browne from Londonderry and Joel McElwee from Ballymena, who connected at the swim last year and began dating 20 days afterward.
Ms. Browne mentioned that she cultivated her passion for the ocean and swimming in it as she recovered from being in a wheelchair, while Mr. McElwee expressed that he enjoys nature and is very enthusiastic about hiking.
“Last year, we arrived here separately and hadn’t encountered each other; I approached the Sea Swim Squad to greet them, and Joe was present,” Ms. Browne stated.
Mr. McElwee mentioned: “She approached the group and seemed slightly anxious, so since I was also present, I thought, ‘I’ll introduce myself,’ and we started talking.
After that, the group headed up for coffee and we talked endlessly.
Ms. Browne subsequently accompanied Mr. McElwee on a hike, which she stated was on her post-recovery to-do list.
She said: “We were friends for roughly 20 days and then we recognized that we’re not just friends, we’re a little bit more than that and we’ve been together ever since. I feel like it’s been the best year ever; truly, I feel very thankful to have met him.
Our anniversary occurs in January, but this marks the day we first met, so we will celebrate it annually from now on and plan to return each year.
The pair mentioned that Ms. Browne’s passion for swimming in the sea influenced Mr. McElwee, and he has started hiking.
When inquired about their plans following Tuesday’s sea swim, Ms. Browne replied: “He’s my hot chocolate, so that’s my top priority.”
Mr. McElwee mentioned, “A bit of last-minute gift wrapping, just to clear that off the list.”
The environment minister, Andrew Muir, was persuaded to join in, attending alongside local Alliance councillor Gillian McCollum, who was donned in an elf costume.
When questioned about the swim, Mr. Muir remarked that it “revitalized the senses” and mentioned they would enjoy an Irish coffee to warm up afterward.
Organisers Gillian and Helen Armstrong mentioned that the Helen’s Bay dip has taken place for approximately 30 years, and they have been managing it for the last five or six years.
The sisters stated that the swim supports the PIPS suicide prevention charity and the Marie Curie charity for cancer and end-of-life care.
“They are both crucial charities for us, as we have lost individuals who needed care from Marie Curie and support for their mental health,” stated Gillian Armstrong.
“We find it essential to enjoy some fun during Christmas and to bring people together, creating a true community vibe, which elevates my mood during the holidays, so I appreciate everyone for joining me in that.”
Helen Armstrong stated: “Many individuals become caught up in the commercialization of Christmas, focusing on their obligations and what is expected of them, making it a highly stressful season. Therefore, participating in a cold water dip on Christmas Eve, which many see as a means to alleviate stress and unite people, is truly wonderful.”
Leave a Reply