Hundreds brave ultra-low temperatures as they join in mass skinny dip to mark arrival of new Equinox

That’s one way to welcome autumn! Hundreds brave ultra-low temperatures as they join in mass skinny dip to mark arrival of new Equinox

  •  Hundreds of people joined in the 8th annual North East Skinny Dip this Sunday in support of mental health
  •  Anyone wishing to take part in the festivities was encouraged to donate £15 to mental health charity, Mind
  •  Event organiser, Jax Higgerson, 41, first came up with the event in 2012, which had over 600 attendees

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Over 700 people stripped down last Sunday to take a dip into the usually freezing waters Druridge Bay in Northumberland.

The event, which has been held for annually for the past eight years is designed to coincide with the arrival of the autumn equinox and to raise awareness for mental health issues.

Participants were asked to purchase tickets online, with each one providing £15 to the mental health charity, Mind, which provides support for anyone whop may be struggling with their mental health.

Over 700 participants race to splash down into the bay, taking part in the eighth annual North East Skinny Dip to raise money for  mental health charity, Mind

So many attended this year's skinny dip that the horizon was almost covered by the amount of bodies on show across the bay

So many attended this year’s skinny dip that the horizon was almost covered by the amount of bodies on show across the bay

All shapes and sizes: The event was designed to put a key focus on letting people be more comfortable in their own skin and be happier with their bodies

All shapes and sizes: The event was designed to put a key focus on letting people be more comfortable in their own skin and be happier with their bodies

Give us a smile: Three women lay in the surf as the waves wash over them while the crowd behind walks further into the surf

Give us a smile: Three women lay in the surf as the waves wash over them while the crowd behind walks further into the surf

A couple embrace on the edge of the surf, not quite ready to enter the cold water just yet, as they gaze across a literal sea of bodies

A couple embrace on the edge of the surf, not quite ready to enter the cold water just yet, as they gaze across a literal sea of bodies

Jax Higginson, 41, who organises the annual event said: ‘It was massive and brilliant. There was a lot of joy and passion on the beach this morning.’

‘I think people are trying to understand what we are trying to do a little bit more.’

‘It’s not just about taking our clothes off it’s about taking a risk, connecting with nature, celebrating life and embracing our own bodies.’

All together now: One group chose to join arms as they began a slow march into the cold waters in a sign group solidarity

All together now: One group chose to join arms as they began a slow march into the cold waters in a sign group solidarity

Keeps your ears warm! Two women wade into the surf, having discarded everything but their brightly coloured bobble hats

Keeps your ears warm! Two women wade into the surf, having discarded everything but their brightly coloured bobble hats

Two attendees make the cold walk back up the beach towards a mountain of discarded clothes on the sands of Druridge Bay Northumberland

Two attendees make the cold walk back up the beach towards a mountain of discarded clothes on the sands of Druridge Bay Northumberland

As the event stretched on into the evening, those that remained were treated to a display by fire performer Penella Bee on the beach

As the event stretched on into the evening, those that remained were treated to a display by fire performer Penella Bee on the beach

Despite the serious reasoning behind the event, participants spent the day enjoying the surf and becoming more comfortable in their own skin.

Jax said: ‘People were splashing about and there was screams and laughter, it was gorgeous. It makes it all feel worthwhile.’

“I think it was the warmest it has ever been. There were really big waves.’

“I’m so grateful to everyone for embracing the event but also themselves.’ 

Thanks to efforts by Jax the annual event has now raised more than £50,000 pounds for the mental health charity.

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk