Taking a winter’s dip in the sea is not everyone’s cup of tea, but Dawlish Water Rotarian Robin Buchanan, has set himself a ‘MadSwim’ challenge to raise money for Assist Teignbridge, where he is a trustee.

He is being backed all the way by fellow Rotarians, who are guessing how many swims Robin can complete before the beginning of April – after 26 weeks in all.

Robin, a ‘virgin cold water swimmer’, has so far raised well over £200 from fellow Rotarians and individuals.

He tries to swim at least once a week. Cold water swimming has become popular in lockdowns as various health benefits have been associated with it.

His enthusiastic venture into the sea at Coryton Cove, Dawlish, has been in temperatures as low as 8.3 deg C and has been hampered only by stormy weather.

Dawlish Water Rotary Club are proposing to hold a private beach celebration (restrictions permitting) to mark Robin’s achievement and final swim at the end of April, when he will also be 73.

Robin says of his determined challenge: ‘I have this wonderful beach almost on my doorstep. Doing something like this at such a difficult time seems an opportunity that is too good to miss.’

You can also support Robin’s efforts by going to www.assist-teignbridge.co.uk and clicking on the Virgin moneygiving ‘Donate’ button at the top of the page.

? Assist Teignbridge is based in the Manor House, Dawlish, and offers a range of free and charged-for services to support independent living for older people who need information, advice, and help to remain living at home.

This local Community Support Project relies entirely on donations and grant aid to provide a range of free services which include befriending, gardening, benefit claims and general support, such as shopping, dog walking, escort to appointments and social events.