Felixstowe man takes daily dip in North Sea for March

Simon Wakefield, 64, has taken on a cold water challenge throughout the month of March to fundraise for Cancer Research UK.

"Some people are doing the challenge by taking cold showers, but I think that's cheating," he said.

"You just can't hesitate. I just walk straight into the North Sea."

Simon Wakefield, 64, has taken on a cold water plunge challenge. (Image: Simon Wakefield)

Mr Wakefield first heard of the challenge through social media and decided he'd take the plunge.

He makes his way to the Felixstowe seafront each day, sometimes at 6:30am before work, and enters the sea no matter what temperature.

"You've got to be sensible because the temperatures can be really dangerous," he said.

"The trick is not to spend any more minutes than the temperature of the water, so it really is a dip in and out of the water."

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The hardships of the challenge are eased by Mr Wakefield's love of Felixstowe, which he believes is "one of the best places to live".

"It's actually pretty good fun and quite exhilarating," he added.

"When the sun is shining, Felixstowe is such a beautiful place."

Simon Wakefield plunges into the North Sea come rain or shine. (Image: Simon Wakefield)

With Cancer Research UK as his chosen charity, Mr Wakefield says he made this decision because "cancer touches all of our lives at some stage".

Mr Wakefield's mother-in-law died from breast cancer and his own mother also suffered the same illness in her lifetime.

Having raised over £600 already, Mr Wakefield has seen donations flood in from family, friends and people he doesn't even know.

"I'm pushing on with the challenge until the end of March and hope to raise as much as possible for this worthy cause."