February Bathe For The Brave : We say goodbye to Pat McNab

Pat McNab drove along the East Beach promenade one day in her little motorized buggy and stopped beside the SSBS monthly gathering taking place that day, inquisitive to know what on earth was going on. A little spark of excitment went off within Pat's whole being at that moment when she heard about our little community and within 5 minutes, we too knew she that this lady was someone special. 

It wasn't too long before we'd all heard that Pat, at that point aged 78, had been an international athlete.  And the moment she stood up, out of her mobility scooter, you could tell. Physically, she still had an incredible figure. Mentally, she was as sharp and bright as a button. And spiritually, well, her spirit was that of a woman a quarter of her age. She had a zest for life that only her physical self was restricting and from that point on, Pat was welcomed wholeheartedly into the group and whenever she could, weather and ailments permitting, she'd come along to the beach to watch, or have a dip as long as there was someone there to help her. And of course, there always was. And over the next few years some of our members would call by and give Pat some company, some lifts, some help building coat stands, ordering presents for her family at Christmas, and an arm or two so she could safely get in and out of the sea. 

At times it became very frustrating for Pat, particularly being a part of the Whatsapp group, seeing people going in and out of the water, some the same age as her, but not being able to do so herself. She had SO much life in her and it was hugely frustrating for her not to be able to join in as much as she could. But she was always grateful to this group for giving her back some excitment in life.  Selsey had not always been good for Pat, but we can find some solace knowing that this group played a big part in her happiness - particularly in moments such as this one seen here in this photograph. We asked Pat to write some of her story down and you can read this here. It is of a life lived.  The ups and downs and sideways of it all. 

Pat passed away suddenly last week on Saturday 3rd Feb 2024, but peacefully with her daughter by her side. We will come together as a group on the beach, weather permitting, to celebrate her time spent with us and our time spent with her. Whether you come to dip, or not, if you feel called to do so, please bring scones, jam, cream and prosecco and we shall gather together to share a toast to this wonderful lady, whose smile we shall remember for many years to come. RIP dear Pat. You shall no doubt be getting everyone into shape up there, we are sure of it.