Man's year of sea swimming to raise funds

CHALLENGE SPARKED BY MUM'S ILLNESS

- By OWEN YOUNGER

A MAN from Cullercoats has completed a 365-day sea dip challenge, with £3,700 having been raised for the Parkinson's UK charity.

James Madeley, 36, who goes by the name 'Jimmy in the Sea' on social media, started the mammoth task in January of last year, after his mother was diagnosed with the condition in December 2024.

As well as this hugely important reason, James was also suffering from the 'January blues' and took up cold water therapy hoping that it would improve both his physical and mental health. What started as just a challenge for one month then spiralled into an entire year.

James said: "After I had dipped in the North Sea for a full month at the end of January, I decided to keep going as I was enjoying it so much. I began documenting my journey on Instagram and TikTok and it has been amazing to receive such supportive comments.