Morecambe lifeboat hero takes Jubilee ice bath to help save lives at sea

Tuesday, 7 June 2022 09:40

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Martyn Browitt inside his ice bath on Morecambe Promenade

A brrr-ave fundraiser has bathed in an ice bucket in the open air on Morecambe Promenade to help save lives at sea.

Martyn Browitt took a dip in icy cold water for five minutes at a time, on the hour every hour, for 12 hours, to raise money for the Morecambe lifeboat crew.

Martyn, who is deputy launch authority at Morecambe RNLI, wore nothing other than swimming trunks and a bathing cap for his freezing challenge!

The bath was set up outside the Morecambe Lifeboat Station on Sunday, with the challenge beginning at 7am.

It was draped in red, white and blue to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Many people who were taking part in, or watching the Morecambe Promenade Jubilee street party, walked past to cheer Martyn on, or to donate.

Martyn said afterwards that more than £700 had been raised so far.

Last year intrepid Martyn bathed in yellow custard to raise funds for the RNLI!

Helen Harvey, a volunteer member of the Morecambe lifeboat crew, described Martyn as "Morecambe's very own Wim Hof!" comparing him to the adventurer and extreme athlete known for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures.

"It's our belief that even one life lost at sea is too many," said a message on Martyn's online fundraising page.

"Our brave volunteers don't launch into cold, rough seas to save just a few. They're on a mission to save every one.

"When our crews are racing from rescue to rescue, they rely even more on their lifesaving kit and world-class training – the things that kind people like you help provide. Donate to our appeal and help our lifesavers get there in time."

You can donate to Martyn's Big Ice Dip Challenge here.

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