In an effort to raise awareness of drowning prevention and vital funds for the RNLI, Margate born and bred Guy Addington is currently braving the elements every morning with an outdoor cold-water shower with a hose for an entire year.
We caught up with Guy, 44, to find out a little bit more about what motivated him to start and keep up with the challenge, as well as finding out just how brisk a cold-water hose can be during those frosty winter mornings.
Guy explained: “For some time, I’ve wanted to do some fundraising for the RNLI, I’ve worked for them for a long time and took a leading from the front attitude and wanted to raise some money for them. I joined the RNLI in 1994 at just 17 and have been a crew of Margate ever since.
“This is where my volunteer interest began, but I’ve also been lucky enough to have a full-time career with the RNLI as the Regional Water Safety Lead for the South East. Just before I joined the RNLI, I completed a degree in Maritime Science and my job focuses on water safety and drowning prevention work.
“At this time of year lots of our messages are staying safe around the water, we talk a lot about cold water shock so I was interested in something cold water related and the effect of cold water on the body.
“Another thing was the issues surrounding sewer overflows and coastal pollution that we see a lot around Thanet. I’m passionate about doing something positive to improve that.”
Roughly a third of the way through his bone-chilling challenge, Guy has raised over an incredible £2,530 for the RNLI, and also uses the platform to encourage responsible use of the drainage and sewer systems.
Guy finished by saying: “I add in to all of my videos, a massive thank you. It’s the donations and the people’s support that gives me the encouragement needed to get outside all day. I’m so grateful for all the support and donations, people have genuine interests of how I’m getting on, and I just want to say a massive thank you.”