A  FORMER Royal Marine from Poole has completed a month-long nationwide sea swimming challenge.

Tim Crossin, who was recently diagnosed with cancer for the fourth time, was joined by 200 people as he returned to Branksome Beach, one month after setting off for his Cold Dip Commando challenge around the UK to raise money for three charities.

Starting in Branksome, Tim has been swimming in the sea and lakes at different locationS around the country, from Cornwall to Belfast to the north of Scotland.

He has tackled everything the British winter has had to throw at him, including heavy snow in Scotland, but he has completed a dip on every day through January.

Bournemouth Echo:

“It’s got emotional, a bit stressful, unpredictable, but just amazing,” Tim told the Daily Echo at his final dip.

“Today’s been just awe-inspiring. Just fantastic.”

Tim has been joined by swimmers at each dip and has raised £22,929 to date for the Royal Marines Charity, Lymophoma Action and Rock 2 Recovery.

“The support of everybody else has really surprised me,” he said.

“I expected the Royal Marines, because they’re stupid enough and mad and crazy enough to put on a pair of budgie smugglers and come and join me, but the amount of other people who’ve come out, with their own personal stories of cancer or mental health, they’re just great."

Bournemouth Echo:

John Twiss, who joined Tim for his first dip and his last, said the turnout was fantastic.

“He’s done really well, he must be so tired, it must have been so taxing for him driving round the UK, but also enjoyable, because he’s met so many people along the way,” John said.

“The turnouts have got bigger and bigger all the way around the coast.”

Laura, from Tim’s swimming group, Win the Morning, Win the Day, said Tim was an inspiration.

“I just think he is an outstanding person. To do that all round the country and in this weather, over the winter, it’s no mean feat. I think he’s just an epic guy and I’m sure he must be knackered.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Vic Drinkwater, fundraising manager at the Royal Marines Charity, said the money raised over the challenge would make a big impact on the work of the charity.

“I think it’s highlighted the Royal Marines family at its best,” she said.

“The money that’s raised through this challenge, has been incredible for us. We’re so humbled by the efforts that have been put in, not only from Tim but everyone who’s supported him along the way.”