Bournemouth fundraiser recognised with award from Prime Minister

Bournemouth resident Tommy Baker has been presented the Points of Light Award by 10 Downing Street along with a personal message from the PM. In 2008, Tom Baker started The White Christmas Dip to bring his family together when his uncle was diagnosed with cancer. Now in its 10th year, the charity event attracts over 750 swimmers and 2,000 spectators each year. To date, it has raised over £100,000 for Macmillan Caring Locally.

Starting out as a family tradition, The White Christmas Dip raises vital funds for Macmillan Caring Locally, a specialist palliative care service based at Christchurch Hospital for people with advanced, progressive, or incurable illnesses. Thanks to Tommy Baker, hundreds of people now race across the sands to take a sponsored dip into the sea off Boscombe Beach on Christmas Day.

The Points of Light Award recognises outstanding individual volunteers and people who are making a change in their community. Every weekday, the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Daily Points of Light award.

In a personal letter to Tommy, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The ‘White Christmas Dip’ you organise is a fun and festive way of raising money and awareness for an important local charity. By sharing your family’s Christmas Day tradition, you are helping Macmillan Caring Locally continue to help those who are suffering from cancer and other terminal diseases while supporting their families too.”

Tommy said, “I am both amazed and humbled to be receiving this award. I enjoy organising the White Christmas Dip so much that I no longer see it as volunteering as it’s become such an important part of my Christmas Day. The event wouldn’t be the size it is today without the team of volunteers who tirelessly work with me throughout the year to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Over the years, we have raised more than £100,000 for Macmillan Caring Locally and see no reason why this won’t continue to grow so that we can continue to give vital funds to the terminally ill in our area.”

To find out more about Macmillan Caring Locally visit www.macmillanlocal.org