Tynemouth sea swims pivotal part of recovering alcoholic's journey

A recovering alcoholic says a daily dip in the North Sea has helped him on his journey of recovery.

During the 1990s, Kirk worked as an art director in London for various magazines - a job that saw him under a lot of stress and pressure.

After a stint in rehab and now sober for 14 years, he is part of a swimming group in Tynemouth.

Kirk says when he is in the water "nothing else maters" and cold water swimming has improved his mental health.

You can hear more about Kirk's story on We Are England which starts on Wednesday 26 January at 19:30 GMT on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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