Many of you will be aware that my father, David, finally succumbed to the cancer that had plagued him for all of this year. He passed away on the 30^th September, less than 12 months from having being diagnosed with throat cancer, with his last 6 months being very difficult for him.

In memory of him and of so many other people we have all known, I have accepted the challenge from colleagues to take a short swim in the Albert Dock, Liverpool, on Boxing Day.

I have joined a team of guys (the plunging plumbers) with the goal of raising money for cancer research and we would welcome any contributions to this fund.

My biggest dilemma is budgie smugglers or surfer shorts, apparently wetsuits are not an option !