Sunderland's biggest Boxing Day Dip team prepare for final plunge

The Footprints In The Sand team was set up by Julie Reay, from Barnes, following the death of her son Peter David Lane who died in a rope swing accident in 2002 when he was 13-years-old.

Channelling her grief, the mum set up The Peter David Lane Trust Fund which has since raised more than £150,000 for good causes in Sunderland.

The annual Boxing Day Dip in Seaburn has always been a flagship fundraising event for the trust, but Julie’s team are preparing to make their 15th dip their final one.

As the team gathered to collect their sponsor T-shirts, which are donated each year by Total Sports in Hendon, Julie said: “Over the years we have raised more than £70,000 through the dip alone. It’s such an amazing achievement by all and of course I’m so very proud, but i know the time is right to hang up the boots.”

She added: “This year, not only have I got my daughter Vicky with me, my wonderful granddaughter Amelia is also taking part, along with 30 other friends and family, so it’s going to be an amazing day.”

Julie had planned to hang up her dipping T-shirt in 2015 but that year she won a regional fundraising award at the Pride of Britain awards so decided to continue, but she says this year the time is right to make her last dip.

She said: “I know I did say this several years ago but, alas, this is to be the final one for Peter’s amazing dippers.”

The grandmother added: “I want to send a special thank you to Keith and Darren and all staff from Total Sports who again have donated our fabulous T-shirts. They have supported me from the first dip and they are still supporting me for the 15th.

“I’d also like to thank our amazing sponsors for their help and support and generous donations. We aim to raise a fantastic amount yet again and make our final dip one to remember.”