Over 60 Londoners, including TV presenter Ayo Akinwolere, took an icy plunge on Saturday when they jumped in to Brockwell Lido to raise money for national homelessness charity Crisis.  

As part of the annual Crisis Icebreaker challenge swimmers either jumped in to the Lido, swam one width or joined with friends and took part in the relay race as a team of four with each team member swimming one width.  

Swimmers were encouraged to do the event in fancy dress, with costumes including elves, Christmas puddings and Santas taking part.  

 This event is the first of a series of Icebreaker events taking place in London over the winter, and to date, has raised over £10,000, with all proceeds going towards Crisis’ Christmas campaign, as well as the charity’s year-round services which help people to leave homelessness behind for good.      

Crisis is currently preparing to open its Christmas centres which are a lifeline for thousands of homeless people over the festive period. The centres offer immediate relief of warm food, shelter and many health and wellbeing services and introduce guests to Crisis' year-round services so they can be supported to leave homelessness behind for good.    

Sarah Finegan, who took part in the Icebreaker, said: “A great afternoon for an icy dip, filled with friendly faces and shivering bodies, coming together to raise funds for an amazing charity.” 

Ayo Akinwolere said: “That was painful! But it was quite lovely really, you get used to it quickly. But respect to everyone to who took part today, they’ve done something quite amazing.”   

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for taking part in the Icebreaker - it’s definitely no mean feat, and it’s brilliant to see so many coming along, and the fancy dress has been great to see.  

 “Everyone in our society deserves a safe and stable home. But right now, many thousands of people are denied this basic human need - all of the money raised will help us continue our work towards ending homelessness for good. For anyone who missed out on this weekend’s event, sign up for one the next events now!”   

There will also be two more Icebreaker Challenges taking place in the New Year in London:  

• 18 January 2020 – Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec – sign up here: https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/events/swim/icebreaker-tooting/ 
• 25 January 2020 – Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead Heath – sign up here: https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/events/swim/icebreaker-hampstead/