Radio Nova’s PJ and Jim rally Ireland’s men to take on the Dickie Dip plunge for men’s cancer care
They’re calling on men across Ireland to strip, dip and stand together for men’s cancer care by taking part in the Dickie Dip in Skerries on Saturday, 7 November.
Now in its seventh year, the all-male fundraising event sees participants brave the Irish Sea wearing nothing but a dickie bow, raising vital funds for men receiving cancer treatment and care at the Mater Hospital. Since launching in 2019, Dickie Dippers have raised more than €750,000 to support patients and their families.
The Dickie Dip is an unforgettable show of solidarity, camaraderie and support for men affected by cancer. The event brings a unique community of 500 men together to support men’s cancer care in the Mater.
PJ Gallagher said “If a few minutes in the Irish Sea can help raise awareness and support men facing cancer, then we’ll happily do it all over again for a third year. As difficult as it is for me to be in the nip in public, it’s still easier than getting into the Irish Sea in November! It’s cold, it’s slightly ridiculous and it’s great craic, but behind all of that is a really important cause.”
“Jim and myself are the only two people we can guarantee will turn up so far, which means we need another 498 lads to join us if we’re going to hit that magic 500. So grab a mate, a brother, your dad, your son or someone from work, stick on a dickie bow and come down to Skerries with us. You might be freezing for a few minutes, but you’ll be helping to make a real difference for men facing cancer and their families.”
Jim McCabe said: “What surprises people most is the atmosphere. You have fathers and sons, brothers, friends, workmates and complete strangers all standing shoulder to shoulder – mind you that’s so they’re not face to face when they’re naked! But seriously it’s one of the most positive events we’ve ever been involved in and we’d love to finally see 500 men on the beach this year.”
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men in Ireland after skin cancer, with approximately 4,000 men diagnosed every year.
Catherine McGarvey, RANP (Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner) Urology Prostate Cancer Survivorship at the Mater Hospital, said:
“1 in 7 men in Ireland will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Prostate cancer affects far more that their physical health. It affects men’s’ identity, confidence, relationships and a man’s sense of self, with lasting consequences. The vital funds raised by The Dickie Dip supports front line staff at the Mater to deliver exceptional cancer care to patients and their families.”
Men interested in taking part can register by visiting our Dickie Dip page. Every participant receives a free Dickie Bow, a personalised fundraising page and the support of the Mater fundraising team.