Month of cold dips in memory of Royal Marine

Ex-commando Tim Crossin raised more than £27,000 when he completed 31 cold water swims in 2023

Swimmers are set to take a cold dip along the UK coastline every day in January in memory of a former Royal Marines commando.

Tim Crossin, from Poole, Dorset, raised more than £27,000 for charity when he completed 31 cold water swims in January 2023 after being diagnosed with cancer.

He had hoped to do it again this year but died on 3 December.

Starting and finishing in Poole, family and friends, who decided to carry on with the challenge in his memory, began the swims on New Year's Day.

About 100 swimmers started the 31-day challenge at Branksome on New Year's Day

Before the first dip at Branksome, Mr Crossin's son and daughter, Jim and Kelly, scattered his ashes into the sea.

Ms Crossin said: "I've never known someone to inspire people how Dad did.

"He was so courageous no matter what was thrown at him, he never let things negatively affect him, even with a life expectancy thrown at him.

"Even though he's not here physically, I know he will keep making a difference."

At the first dip, along with about 100 other swimmers, friend and ex-commando Austin Steel said: "He really inspired people to put up a fight and his commando spirit, his courage and his cheerfulness in the face of adversity really impacted people."

Jim and Kelly Crossin scattered their father's ashes into the sea before more than 100 dippers kicked off the challenge

The swims in memory of Mr Crossin, known as the "Cold Dip Commando", take place at midday travelling clockwise around the coast.

The second swim is planned at Exmouth off the RNLI slipway on Thursday.

Money raised from the challenge will go to the Royal Marines Charity, Lymphoma Action and Rock 2 Recovery.

Mr Crossin raised £27,478 through his dips in 2023.