Challengers take an icy plunge in Brockwell Lido for homeless people

BY TOBY PORTER and SAM HOPKINS
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Start at the bottom if you want to learn, they say. But that’s not such a good idea when it comes to an icebreaker challenge.

Even starting on the surface of the chilly Brockwell Lido, in Brockwell Park would not be most people’s cup of tea at this time of year.

But a shivery swim at the pool on December 14 will raise money for Crisis, which provides food and shelter for homeless people – and not just at Christmas.

Some of the participants will even take their dip in fancy dress.

The challengers can either just jump into the freezing waters of the open-air pool in Brixton, or test their immune systems by trying to swim one width.

Challengers can also try a relay race as a team of four, with each team member swimming one width each.

Swimmers are also encouraged to get friends and family involved as sponsors.

Crisis chief executive Jon Sparkes said: “The Crisis Icebreaker challenge is an opportunity to take a solo icy plunge or make a big splash with your friends to help raise money and fund our vital work to end homelessness.

“Everyone in our society deserves a safe and stable home. But right now, many thousands of people are denied this basic human need.

Face the freeze this winter and help us support a person who is homeless this Christmas and all year round.”

The registration fee of £28.87 equals the cost of reserving a place for someone who is homeless at one of Crisis’ Christmas centres.

You can sign up by visiting https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/crisis-icebreaker/