Radio Nova Duo Rally Cork Men for Charity Cold Water Challenge

Radio Nova's Morning Glory presenters PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe are returning to brave the icy waters of Skerries on 8th November, calling on Cork men to join them for The Dickie Dip in support of men's cancer care at the Mater Hospital.

The popular radio hosts, who took their first chilly plunge last year, are encouraging men across Cork and Ireland to strip down to nothing but a bow tie for the annual fundraising event that has raised €600,000 since its inception in 2019.

PJ Gallagher described last year's experience with characteristic humour:

"Last year Jim and I thought we'd freeze to death – turns out we just froze a few important parts! But honestly, if a few minutes in the Irish Sea can help raise awareness and funds for men's cancer care, then we'll happily strip off and dive back in. It's cold, it's mad, it's a laugh – and it could save lives. That's a pretty good trade, if you ask me."

His co-host Jim McCabe added:

"There aren't many occasions where you can say standing starkers on a beach with a bow tie is doing good for mankind – but this is one of them. The Dickie Dip is about more than just the craic (though Lord knows there's an awful lot of craic on show!) it's about looking out for each other and making sure men get the care they need."

The event, now in its sixth year, asks participants to take an all-male skinny dip in November's frigid Irish Sea waters. Last year's fundraiser generated an impressive €186,000 for men's cancer care, with organisers hoping to surpass that figure with their biggest group of participants yet.

Ronnie, a prostate cancer patient and previous participant, shared his motivation:

"Last October I got a diagnosis of prostate cancer. It was obviously a difficult time dealing with that news and I felt I had no other choice but to try to turn a negative situation into a positive one. Then along came the Dickie Dip. The perfect opportunity to give something back to all the staff who looked after me."

He described the experience as transformative: "I had the honour of meeting over 400 likeminded gents on that chilly damp Saturday morning, we sang, danced, and drank copious amounts of coffee. We disrobed on the Skerries beach, and we all charged like crazed warriors heading into battle which turned out to be the icy cold Irish Sea. It was exhilarating, it was fun, it was a life affirming experience, it was membership into a brotherhood who can proudly call themselves Dippers...and it was absolutely Baltic!"

Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation, expressed her delight at the radio duo's return:

"PJ and Jim first braved the chilly waters in 2024 for men's cancer care, and we are ecstatic that they are back to join us for this year's event! We're going even bigger and better and aiming for the largest ever group of brave men from all over Ireland dipping in support of men's cancer care in the Mater Hospital."

Registration couldn't be simpler. Men can sign up at www.materfoundation.ie/dickiedip, where they'll receive a free bow tie and personalised fundraising page to share with family, friends and colleagues. Participants also gain access to the official Facebook group to connect with fellow brave souls ahead of the November challenge.

The Mater Hospital Foundation, established in 1985, funds state-of-the-art equipment, facility enhancements, pioneering research and staff support at The Mater Public Hospital.

For more information, visit www.materfoundation.ie/dickiedip or contact 01 830 3482.