A Speedo-clad dad found a novel way to tackle the cost-of-living crisis by taking a free shower in the pouring rain outside a supermarket - inadvertently recreating the Shawshank Redemption's rain scene. Chris Boyd was sitting in his flat at midnight as the heavens opened and a huge downpour flooded the street.
With the heavy rain showing no signs of stopping, the 60-year-old decided to make use of the 'free shower' by stripping down to his skimpy swimwear and legging it into the street. Hilarious footage captured by Spalding Market shows Chris, who is currently unemployed, scrubbing under his armpits in ankle-deep water as a bemused driver crawls past.
The dad-of-one said the opportunity indulge in a free shower was 'something he had to do', admitting the soak was 'very pleasant' - except for 'the odd floating fag butt'. Chris, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, said: "With the cost of living nowadays, and people not wanting to turn on their water, I thought 'why not have a free shower?'
"I live across the road from the market, and I was sitting in the flat looking out the window at the rain. It was coming down like cups, I'd never seen rain like it, and I had to do something.
"So I thought, 'Why not pop my speedos on and take the opportunity?' The only problem is I didn't take my shower gel, but at least I took the flannel. It was nice and warm - kind of like a heated pool - so it was quite pleasant. If there wasn't the odd fag butt floating around I'd have had a swim."
Former forklift driver Chris said it was also the perfect opportunity to enjoy a refreshing dip after the hot weather that swept the country. Chris said: "It was a lovely relief from the hot weather we'd had, so after the heatwave I thought, 'I'm having some of that'. The guys from the market were laughing - they love me over there. People might think I'm a bit mad but it's a free shower - what's wrong with that?
"I felt like a free spirit. It was refreshing and it didn't cost me anything. It was an experience, but I wouldn't want to do it in a lightning storm."
Cheeky Chris said the next time there's heavy rainfall he'll be sure to make full use of it. Chris said: "I'll take advantage of the next downpour and grab a shower. Even if it's colder by that point it won't put me off - cold showers are good for the health. If it happens again I'll be out there, I'll just remember my shower gel."
