There was a huge turnout for Falmouth's first Chilly Chilli Dip - as swimmers braved the cold waters in aid of Ukraine.

Swimmers swarmed Gyllynvase Beach this morning (20th) dipping into the water before enjoying a warming bowl of chilli.

Hotel resort St Michaels offered free chilli to its members for donations.

Gylly Cafe also made its own contribution by matching all food and drink sales from the takeaway for those participating in the swim.

All the money raised will be donated to the Red Cross.

Organiser Kathy Drake said she had sleepless nights organising the event but was pleased it had been such a huge success.

Kathy told Nub News:

"The idea first came when local swimmers were talking about how tragic the situation in Ukraine is and how powerless we felt. Something that could bring swimmers together and get people cold water swimming. It started quite small and I thought Gylly Beach would be the perfect place to make it a bit bigger.

"We were really lucky the wind died down and people stayed on to enjoy their chilli. That's their reward for their cold dip, having some fun, chatting about things, and still remembering Ukraine with the flags we've got flying. We have got hats in Ukraine colours, friendship bracelets, t-shirts. Hopefully, people will keep seeing those colours and not forget."

'Chilly Dippers' is a mental health initiative focusing on the benefits of cold-water swimming - this was the launch event in Falmouth and Kathy hopes the power of social media will help it to grow.

"I hope there are more events like this one. It is optimistic I know but with social media, the word is spreading quite quickly. There is such a big cold water swimming community and there are influencers that could help spread the word. It is cheap and quick to make chilli, you can have veggie, vegan, or beef chilli. It is something nice to share after a swim, it's warming especially this time of year.

"I was chatting to a rower and we discussed a Scilly Chilli Dip with all the gig rowers. That is something for Scilly's rowers to think about."

Kathy has been working on the event for around two weeks - praising the support of businesses who put up posters for the event, as well as people offering to help hand out flyers.

"It has grown quickly in a short space of time, that is thanks to people's goodwill and everybody wanting to help."

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