About the challenge
Safety Guidance
Please ensure you take the time to read our important safety guidance before agreeing to take on the challenge. You can find it here.
What is the challenge?
How do I sign up?
Signing up is simple.
- Sign up here to request your free swim hat and set up your fundraising page
- Share, share, share. Make sure to tell everyone you know that you are taking on the challenge and ask them to sponsor you
- Get fundraising
- Join our Facebook Group
- Get dipping on the 4th February
- Support children and young people with cancer
What happens if I can’t complete the challenge?
We are here with you every step of the way to help you complete the challenge. We have a support team on hand to give advice and top tips on completing the challenges and reaching you fundraising target. However if you aren’t able to complete the challenge, please don’t worry, just make sure to let your sponsor know. If you need any advice or support on completing the challenge please email virtualchallenges@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
How many dips do I have to do?
All we are asking is that you do one dip on the 4th February for World Cancer Day. However, this is your challenge, your way! We want you to take part in a way that works best for you.
What is the date of this challenge?
The date of this challenge is Wednesday 4th February 2026 World Cancer Day, however you can take this challenge on a week before or week after the 4th February.
Can under 18s take part?
Unfortunately this challenge is for over 18s only.
Can my friends and family join in?
Yes, of course! The more the merrier. Just share the registration link and ask them to join. Please make sure a minimum of one person is on dry land to watch your dip for your safety.
I live outside of the UK – can I join?
Yes – you can join from anywhere. Unfortunately we aren’t able to post out fundraising packs and swim hats internationally, but you can have all you need in the Resources tab. You will still be a vital part of Team Young Lives.
My swim hat or fundraising pack has not arrived.
We send fundraising packs out twice a week but sometimes they can take 10-14 working days to arrive. If you pack has still not arrived please contact virtualchallenges@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
There will be a delay over the Christmas and New Year period. The first packs will be sent on Monday 5th January.
I need more information
If you have any questions or queries, please contact us at virtualchallenges@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Can I take part if I have a physical disability?
Absolutely! We welcome participants of all abilities. If you have a physical disability or use a wheelchair, please ensure you feel comfortable and confident in the water. This challenge is undertaken entirely at your own risk, so please assess your ability to participate safely before taking part.
If you would prefer not to take part in a large water location you can also take part by having a cold shower or ice bath at home. Please make sure someone else is with you during the challenge.
Where can I do my dip?
You can choose where to do you dip!
We would highly recommend taking part in a supervised setting. such as a lido or location with a lifeguard. You can find locations with lifeguards here: Find Your Nearest RNLI Lifeguarded Beaches.
Alternatively, you can also take part at home! You could take a cold shower or ice bath from the comfort of your home.
Whatever location you choose, please ensure you have somebody else with you to ensure your safety during your challenge. This person should be on dry land to be able to assist you if needed.
About Fundraising
How do I collect donations?
You will automatically be set up with a fundraising page when you sign up. This is the easiest way to collect your sponsorship. All donations come directly to Young Lives vs Cancer so you don’t have to worry about admin or bank transfers.
You can also fundraise offline. You will also receive a Young Lives vs Cancer sponsorship form with your fundraising pack. This can also be found in the Resources tab. To pay this in deposit your sponsorship into your own bank account and then pay it directly onto your fundraising page as an offline donation. Alternatively there are handy instructions on the form of how to pay this in on our website.
Is there a fundraising target?
We simply ask everyone to raise as much as they can to support children and young people with cancer. The target is automatically set to £150, as people with higher targets on their pages raise the most. While there’s no commitment to reach this amount, we’d love for you to aim high. Every pound you raise makes a real difference to children and young people with cancer. 💗
