This one’s for you my friend…..

There is a lot that I could say about today’s swim.

Firstly I was delighted to see some local Brightlingsea based Samaritan volunteers visit to encourage me.

Secondly I experienced another new low temperature, breaking my last record of 4.8 degrees. Although the external temperature was a pleasant 12 degrees, the 17 mph wind meant that it felt a tad chilly when I emerged from the 4.5 degree sea.

Thirdly I could mention the group of people who gathered at Splash Point to watch me go in - thank you so much. It’s always encouraging to have some support.

Fourthly I had some generous donations from those watching in my donation tin, all of which has now been added to my sponsorship total, which I’m delighted is now over £2,000 and being shared between The Samaritans and Colchester Buddhist Centre.

However, despite all that going on, my main thoughts as I quickly entered the chilly depths was of a friend who contacted me recently to tell me they were undergoing 8 weeks of chemotherapy, some risky surgery and then more chemotherapy. They are someone who had a major influence on my life and who I still consider to be a dear friend. It puts what I’m doing into perspective and is a great example of real courage in the face of adversity.

This one was for you my friend.