Detective plans to swim in North Sea every morning throughout winter - without a wetsuit!

While some people start their day with a hot cuppa or a cold shower to jolt them into action, Northumbria Police’s Detective Sergeant Jacqui Croskery likes to start each day a little differently – with a swim in the North Sea.

Det Sgt Croskery calls her 6am wake up her “daily dose of Vitamin sea” and says it is not only a wonderful way to de-stress but also gives a super boost to her immune system.

And now she’s doing it all in the name of charity to raise money for the Marine Conservation Society, the UK's leading marine environment, not-for-profit organisation.

The five-month-long Chatter Challenge kick starts on Sunday and draws to a close on March 31.

Det Sgt Croskery said: “I started swimming in the sea this summer having been thinking about it for some time and ended up trying it with a friend who has dipped in the sea for three years.

“Apparently, it takes three weeks to get hooked but to be honest, I was addicted after a week and have never looked back.

“There is a huge endorphin rush and wonderful glow after being in the sea – but you should never attempt it alone or without an experienced partner at hand.”

She added: “I saw dipping in the winter as a huge challenge and I am pretty competitive so thought about raising money for a charity whilst doing a valid challenge.

“Many of the other swimmers and I do a beach clean every morning and regularly find balloons, plastic and glass bottles and many other pollutants so the Marine Conservation was a no-brainer to choose to support.”

All 100 spots on the challenge are now full, with those taking part following a few simple rules – the dip must be done in open water, there is no minimum time to be spent in the water but no neoprene is allowed other than socks or gloves or swim cap and social distancing rules must be followed.

All dips will be logged by each participant on the official Chatter Challenge 2020/21 Facebook page and collated by Det Sgt Croskery.

Members of the public can still donate by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thechatterchallenge.

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