A former Royal Marine Commando is heading to Caithness to take a dip in the cold waters of John O’Groats harbour as part of a charity fundraiser and to honour a friend and fellow marine.
Austin Steel (59) is preparing to take cold water dips in various locations across the UK along with other marines to raise money and honour the memory of the man who started the fundraiser.
“Last year, Tim Crossin a former Royal Marine Commando toured the coast of the UK and dipped in 31 different locations during January 23,” said Austin.
The late Tim Crossin who started the fundraiser.
“He set out to do this to raise awareness of the Royal Marines Charity, Rock 2 Recovery and Lymphoma Action, who provided significant assistance after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was his fervent desire that he would complete a similar fund-raising feat this year, but also including the Bowra Foundation as a beneficiary.
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“Sadly, his cancer saw to it that this was not the case as Tim passed away just before Christmas. Tim was the embodiment of the Royal Marines core values of determination, unselfishness, courage and cheerfulness in the face of adversity. He believed that facing his cancer needed to be done with those characteristics in mind and his stoicism and drive to achieve, despite fighting a disease that would eventually take his life was evident to the end.
The brotherhood of Cold Dip Commandos at Plymouth. Picture supplied
“His family, keen that his aspiration, the Cold Dip Commando Timspiration tour went ahead, approached some of his former colleagues to see what could be achieved. Tim’s spirit, intent and motivation lives on as former commandos rallied to the call and they will be getting in the water in their ‘budgie smugglers’ and green berets in memory of Tim.”
Austin says there are locations all over the United Kingdom for the dips to take place with more info at: www.colddipcommando.co.uk
Information is updated to reflect the weather and tidal conditions to ensure dipper safety.
Visitors and veterans mingle to cheer on the commandos.
Anyone who has been affected by cancer, or has a friend or relative who has been impacted by it, wants to come and provide moral support by either getting in the water or just coming along and standing on the shore, the veteran commandos dippers and their supporters would be delighted to see you there in whatever capacity.
“Anything that raises awareness and funds as a legacy to Tim’s original Cold Dip Commando tour will be greatly appreciated,” adds Austin.
Flying the flag as part of a UK charity fundraiser.
Austin has agreed to be the Cold Dip Commando dipper at John O’Groats. He says he knew Tim well and did not want to let the opportunity to honour his memory pass by unnoticed. He will be leading any fellow dippers into the water at 11am on Friday, January 17 at John O’Groats harbour slipway with Tim’s pre-dip motivating cry, “Let’s get wet!”.
Donations are accepted through the Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ColdDipCommando2025
Funds raised will be split between the four nominated charities.