Model and influencer Holly Carpenter and her fiancé Jamie Hunt are taking the plunge once again this Paddy’s Day March 17^th to raise vital funds for a cause that is incredibly close to both of their hearts.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend – 15th, 16th, and 17th March, Holly and Jamie will be asking people around the country and overseas to take a dip to raise funds for people and families impacted by cancer in communities all around Ireland.

Since her Dad Karl’s cancer diagnosis in 2020, Holly and Jamie wanted to do even more to support the Marie Keating Foundation cancer support services, which are provided free of charge to anyone who needs them.

Holly’s fiancé, Jamie Hunt, also understands the pain of seeing a loved one face a cancer diagnosis. His father Keith was diagnosed with terminal cancer and sadly passed away in September 2024.

Speaking about what the event means to them, Jamie said “My dad Keith was man of the sea all his life and kept sea swimming in his daily routine even when faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis of 3 to 6 months. Dad decided that this wouldn’t deter him and kept it up everyday rain hail or shine, right up to a month from his passing a year and half later just shy of his 90th birthday. He was a true testament to the benefits of sea swimming and that age is just a number. We would often join him for an early morning swim in his hometown of Kinsale whenever Holly and I were visiting. Raising awareness about cancer and the importance of early detection is very important to both of us. We wanted to create a fundraiser that brings people together and raises much needed funds for The Marie Keating Foundation.”

Holly said: “The inaugural Paddy’s Day Dip last year, raised almost €20,000 for the Foundation, with funds going towards their vital cancer support services. We are excited to go bigger and better this year in Keith’s memory and with the support of my own amazing dad Karl.

This year is the second year of the event, and we are now calling on others to get involved in the fun and join us on the 17^thor host their own Paddy’s Day Dip. And help raise vital funds for the Marie Keating Foundation in the process.”

There are lots of ways you can support, you can join Holly and Jamie for their Paddy’s Day Dip in Dun Laoghaire on March 17^th, you can organise your own with your family, friends, team or community or you can donate to support others taking part in the event!

Whether you are by the sea, a swimming pool, plunge pool or even your bathtub, we are asking people to get involved in any way they can. Get imaginative and get wet for a great cause!

Whether you dip 5 toes, paddle 5 meters, swim 5 lengths or 5 miles, you could be helping some of the thousands of people impacted by cancer every year.

You can register your own dip or donate to Jamie and Hollie at the below link.

https://fundraise.mariekeating.ie/event/paddys-day-dip

Speaking on behalf of the Marie Keating Foundation, Director of Operations Lylah O’ Beirne said “Holly and Jamie, like many people, know just how much care, love, and support a loved one on a cancer journey and their family need. That they have taken their own experience and created this hugely successful event to help care for other people impacted by cancer is so inspiring. Holly and Jamie’s compassion and generosity will help the Marie Keating Foundation be there for many more people diagnosed with cancer at every step through the physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face. Funds raised will also help provide lifesaving education to communities throughout Ireland about reducing the risk of developing cancer, as well as how to spot any signs and symptoms in its early stages.”

Research shows that education and early diagnosis are the key to preventing avoidable deaths from cancer. This can mean less intensive treatment, a speedier recovery both physically and mentally, and less financial impact on individuals, their families, companies, and health care services.

“Our heartfelt thanks from all at the Marie Keating Foundation to Holly & Jamie, and to all the Paddy’s Day Dippers throughout Ireland and even beyond, and most importantly on behalf of the many people and their families this incredible event will help,” continued Lylah.

For updates on the event please follow @Paddys_day_dip on Instagram and @mariekeatingfoundation

They would love to see photos of your Paddy’s Day Dip on social media if you could tag them and use the hashtag #PDD25.

ENDS