THREE local GPs will be swapping their stethoscopes for bandages on New Year's Day when they dress up as patients and jump into the River Lew to boost funds for the Okehampton Hospital Appeal.
Okehampton doctors Paul Nielson and Tim Watson and Dr John Warre from North Tawton, along with nurses from the town's two hospitals, will brave the waters and join Hatherleigh Walruses in their annual New Year's Day dip.
The theme for the event, which usually raises in the region of £3,000 and attracts thousands of spectators, will this year be 'Carry On Doctors and Nurses' with a tent on site for accidents and emergencies!
Dr Nielson, who is getting in training to tone his body for the big event and admits he would just about do anything to raise money for the hospital, said: 'When the walruses said they would like to raise cash for the new hospital but on the condition that we joined in, I thought it was a fair deal.
'We (the doctors) are dressing up as patients and I will be covered in bandages so I won't be too exposed.'
The fundraisers' challenge is to stay in the chilly waters for five minutes but a large fire is lit afterwards to get rid of the goose-pimples. Nurse Arthur Turner is even considering wearing just his G-string if enough cash is promised.
Dr Watson said the experience would be character-building: 'I think all the others doctors should be doing it — the more the merrier,' he said.
The walruses will be entering the water at 3pm on January 1 but be sure to get their early so you get a good view.
As well as raising money for many different charities over the years, £250 left over from last year's event has bought Hatherleigh Town Crier Ros Chard a much-needed new town crier outfit.