Topless women make a big splash for hospital charity

Hundreds of women dared to bare at a special charity sea swim event in Ilfracombe on Sunday.

Around 250 ladies braved the cold water to take part in the Topless Swim fundraiser at Tunnels Beaches.

The sheltered Victorian-built tidal pool was originally built to protect the modesty of female bathers. And it provided the perfect setting for the ladies-only event, organised by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (formerly Over and Above).

Alice Hope, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (RHDC) community fundraiser, said the event, thought to be the first of its kind in North Devon, had exceeded all expectations, raising nearly £50,000 in support of breast cancer care at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH).

“We have been absolutely blown away by the support for our first ever Topless Swim and can’t thank everyone enough for being part of this very special event,” said Alice.

“The atmosphere was incredible, with women from across the country coming together to support each other, enjoy a Sunday morning dip, and have lots of fun.

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It was lovely to hear so much laughter and so many inspiring and empowering stories from all the women who took part and we hope everyone made lots of memories that they will cherish forever

– Alice Hope, RDHC Community Fundraiser

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“As well as helping to promote body positivity, this event has raised a huge amount of money for cancer services at NDDH, money that make a real difference to the lives of patients and families right here in North Devon.

“Thank you to all the wonderful participants, as well as the volunteers and the first aid and water safety teams for making Topless Swim such a huge success.

“The event sold out weeks beforehand and there was a big waiting list of ladies wanting to take part, so we’re already starting to put plans in place for another event next year.”

Half of the money raised will go towards breast cancer care at NDDH, with the other half going the Fern Centre, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity’s cancer wellbeing centre at the hospital.

The Topless Swim was inspired by North Devon’s ‘Topless Runner’, Louise Butcher, who runs topless to promote body positivity following a double mastectomy in 2022. 

Louise, from Braunton, has been supported by the NDDH breast care team and the Fern Centre. She said the event had ‘made history’ and helped women to feel better about their bodies.

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It was empowering, inclusive, inspiring and so much fun

– Louise Butcher, participant

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“As I stood, surrounded by history – past, present and in the making – I saw positivity, encouragement, kindness and togetherness,” said Louise.

“In that moment, I was filled with hope that this event could become the beginning of the end of the isolation women feel when they are confronted, alone in the mirror staring at their bodies.

“We are all better surrounded by people who understand and let us be ourselves.”

A few more special thank-yous from the Royal Devon Hospital Charity team…