Watch as 10-year-old Martha reveals her 12 Dips of Christmas challenge in memory of her grandfather

Jimmy Clarke was a much loved granddad and father before he passed away from pancreatic cancer on November 11, 2019, four days before his 60th birthday.

Martha and her Dad James Clarke, who live in Ryhope, decided this year (2024) to take part in the 12 Dips of Christmas in memory of Jimmy and to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

They have already taken part in three 12 minute dunks in the chilly waters of the North Sea off Seaham beach and have planned to do their last dip on Christmas or Boxing Day.

James Clarke, 44, said: “My dad died from pancreatic cancer. Although the illness eventually got the better of him, we got such great support and care from the hospital and cancer charities and we just wanted to give something back.”

Martha added: “I really want to help other people with cancer and me and my dad thought this was a good way to do it.

“Hopefully they can find a cure or help to give people better treatments.”

In August, Martha and James joined the Seaburn Seaside Swimmers club and after taking part in their first few wild swims were inspired to devise their own 12 Dips of Christmas.

James said: “It was my 44th birthday in August and me and Martha went up to Craster and did our first open water dip. We really enjoyed it, joined a local group and have done it a number of times since then.

“We saw an online a post about the 12 Dips of Christmas and decided to do our own version from Seaham Slope Beach in memory of my dad and Martha’s granddad.

“We did our first one in November and are now a quarter of the way through the challenge.”

When the pair did their first dip in August the sea temperature was about 15 degrees Celsius, but it’s now down to a bone chilling five degrees Celsius.

James said: “We just wear our swimsuits but have started wearing wetsuit gloves and boots. In the summer we would go in for 30 minutes, but 12 minutes is about as much as you can do at this time of the year.

“A couple of weeks back we went down to the beach and Storm Bert had arrived and there was sleet coming down.

“It was freezing but we talked about dad and why were are doing it. When it’s cold and a bit tough, we look to him for inspiration.

“My dad would really support what we are doing.

“Before he died he would say ‘I’m nearly 60, but what about all these children and babies who get cancer’?

“Hopefully one day we can find a cure.”

Martha said: “It’s freezing when you first go in but you feel really good when you come out.”

James added: “It really clears your head and gets rid of those aches and pains. I get a real buzz when I do it.

“I am so proud of Martha for doing the challenge. It's a joint effort but she is the star of the show.”

James and Martha initially set a target of £150 on their Cancer Research fundraising page but have already raised a whopping £1,340.

Total Sport North East, based in Hendon, have also created sponsored t-shirts for the dad and daughter team to wear during their challenge.

James said: “The support we have already received has been amazing but any donations will be greatly appreciated.”