Daily Dipper Debbie dunks everyday in January for Crisis Icebreaker
Last updated: 15.01.2026
Every January, a group of wild swimmers, the January Daily Dippers, take part in a cold water dip in some of the country's best lakes, rivers and seas every day to raise money for Crisis, as part of our Icebreaker campaign.
The group brave the cold, in all weathers, so that people experiencing homelessness don't have to - and they raise thousands every year. The Daily Dippers have raised over £160,000 so far - and that number keeps rising.
One of the members of this group, Debbie, shares her story.
"At the end of 2024, a friend of mine, Claire, told me about the January Daily Dip. I've always loved cold water swimming and I've always loved a challenge too! Mix this with raising awareness for a cause that is so prevalent in any village, town or city in the UK made me want to take part.
"Homelessness hasn't touched me personally, but I have a friend who has ME, living with her daughter, and they were threatened with becoming homeless and it was heartbreaking to watch.
"I love doing the January Daily Dip because we form a great supportive team of friends. One of the benefits of taking part is the team spirit. Some of the group have experience of the charity and how it all works and so knowing how we are helping Crisis spurs me on to complete my dip every day. As a big group, we can raise awareness further and wider and also support each other to get through each day.
"January pushes me to achieve something everyday even when it is tough. It helps me to realise the resilience I have. Also, this year I love that my husband and my little girl are getting involved! Ray is dipping with me & my daughter helps by throwing cold water at me or passing me my towel - the most important job!
"Wild swimming is such an amazing activity to get into. My biggest piece of advice for anyone wanting to try it is to wait until it warms up a little & then find a local group of like-minded slightly crazy humans and join them for your first time... BUT beware you'll get hooked and those people will be friends for life."
If you'd like to sponsor Debbie and the Daily Dippers - you can donate via JustGiving.
Get involved with Crisis Icebreaker by joining one of our events in London or doing it your own way, like the Daily Dippers do!