Ruth Hitchcock has been doing a daily dip at Gylly beach since her husband Dave’s Neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis.

Ruth said: “Dave was diagnosed with Stage 4 incurable Neuroendocrine Cancer in early 2023 — quite by accident, as is often the way with this disease. He’d first had bowel cancer back in 2008, which was operated on but not completely removed. Fifteen years later, it had metastasised into tumours all over his body — mainly in his liver, but also in his bones, stomach, bowel, and lymphs.

“There’s no cure for Neuroendocrine Cancer. It’s a quiet, complex, and often invisible cancer — hard to detect and even harder to treat.”

Ruth had already been enjoying sea swims, and it was her new hobby that allowed her to feel the emotions of the hard-hitting news, and come up with a way to make a difference.

“One day while I was in the water, everything just hit me,” she continued. “I felt so helpless watching this cancer take over our lives. I knew I couldn’t stop it, but maybe I could help someone else who could — by raising money for research and awareness. So I decided I’d swim every day for a year — 365 days — to raise funds and shine a light on this hidden cancer. That was it. No big plan, no team behind me, just a need to do something.

“When Day 365 came around, I knew I couldn’t stop. The challenge had become more than just swimming — it was a way of coping, connecting, and creating change. So I extended it to 1,000 days. And here we are now, over 730 swims in, still going strong — one day at a time.”

Since the challenge first began, it has shown Ruth a depth of inner strength she never knew she had. Come rain or shine, Ruth steps into the water, pushing past any negative thoughts.

“The dips have made me a better person. I’m more aware of other people’s struggles, more determined to make a difference, and more focused on what really matters. I’ve learned how to bring people together, to inspire others to join in, and to keep going when it would be easier to stop.

“The swims aren’t always magical — sometimes they’re downright miserable. There are days I don’t come out feeling better mentally, but I always know I’d feel worse if I gave up. There’s a quiet peace in knowing I’ve shown up, again, no matter what.”

Now, Ruth is joined by an entire community. People close to home and further afield have been taking a dip with her, cheering her on, or sending words of encouragement. She said: “Friends appear on the beach with a smile, a hug, sometimes even cake or a biscuit; dogs think they’re part of the challenge; and hundreds of people around the UK dip in solidarity. It’s proof that even when something begins in pain, connection can grow from it — and that together, we’re all a little bit braver.”

In October, Ruth organised a National Daily Dip for Dave Day. She was joined by hundreds of people from across the country, dipping in seas and lakes, paddling pools, baths and buckets. At home, Ruth was surrounded by a crowd of around 300 people at Gylly beach, many of whom had been affected by Neuroendocrine cancer in some way.

So far, Daily Dip 4 Dave has raised £45,000 for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, with the next goal being £100,000, but Ruth admits awareness is just as important as the fundraising: “Too many people go undiagnosed or feel invisible. If Daily Dip 4 Dave helps even one person recognise the signs earlier, or one family feel less alone, then every single swim will have been worth it.”