Albert Square residents Timothy West (aka EastEnders’ ‘Stan Carter’) and Rebecca Scroggs (aka ‘Tosh’) will welcome fundraisers at the Crisis Midwinter Swim on Saturday 29 November at Tooting Bec Lido. Run by homelessness charity Crisis, the event will see Londoners take an icy plunge to help the charity bring homeless people in from the cold.

The EastEnders duo will cheer on a crowd of up to 350 daring swimmers. Fancy-dressed fundraisers will then plunge into the lido, with the most hardy even swimming 200m in the freezing cold water.

More than 6,500 people slept rough in London in the last year. Crisis provides a range of year-round education, housing, health & wellbeing and employment services for people who are homeless in the capital and across the UK. Last Christmas, more than 3,700 people enjoyed warmth and comfort at Crisis’ Christmas centres in London.

EastEnders actor Timothy West, who will co-host the event, said: “As winter approaches, we appreciate the warmth and comfort of our homes more than ever. This chilling challenge is a reminder of how lucky most of us are and how we can help more homeless people find a place to call home. I look forward to hosting such a special event, which will raise thousands in aid of Crisis.”

EastEnders actress Rebecca Scroggs, who will co-host the event, said: “I can’t wait to host this fun event alongside my esteemed EastEnders colleague. In return for a few minutes out of your comfort-zone, you’ll be helping Crisis give warmth and comfort to countless homeless people this winter, and year-round support to turn their lives around.”

Jon Sparkes, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “It is shocking that so many people in our capital city and across the UK are still condemned to the danger and isolation of the streets each winter. By taking part in our Crisis Midwinter Swim, Londoners can help us bring someone who is homeless in from the cold. Just by signing up for the event, you will pay for warmth and comfort for a homeless person at one of our Christmas centres; and any extra sponsorship you collect will allow us to provide our year-round services to help more people leave the devastating experience of homelessness behind for good.”

2014 will be the third year the charity has held the Crisis Midwinter Swim. To date, the event has raised £28,000 to support Crisis life-changing year round and Christmas services.

Fantastic prizes will be on offer for the top three fundraisers and the best fancy dress.

All participants will receive a special Crisis swimming cap for the occasion and be able to enjoy a warm shower after they have braved the pool. Hot drinks and food will also be available, and spectators are welcome.

To register for your place, visit www.crisis.org.uk/swim, email rebecca.king@crisis.org.uk, or call 020 7036 2852