I'm not a fan of the cold and I've never been keen on dressing up.

So what makes me think of dressing up and swimming in an icy cold North Sea on New Year's Day, 2012?

It started because I read the touching blogs of two siblings whose brother suffered from and recently died from Motor Neurone Disease. He was just 58 years old and fought his illness with dignity and bravery. You can read Andrew's story here - http://supportingandrew.blogspot.com/

Motor Neurone Disease is a group name for progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones. Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. There are four main types - Andrew had progressive Bulbar Palsy.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association actively supports those who are diagnosed and their loved ones in practical management of the disease, improving quality of life and sign posting the way to other care providers. MND participates in research towards a better prognosis for sufferers and campaigns for optimum palliative care resources and vital support services. Put simply, without them, the diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease, would be even more grim than it is.

To support his family, in Andrew's memory, and to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, I'll be taking that New Year Dip at approximately 12.30 on the Sandside Beach Area at Scarborough.

It will be cold and wet, but afterwards I will be able to walk away from the situation, get warmed up and changed and spend time with my family. Andrew couldn't walk away from his diagnosis and his family face life without a much loved husband, father and brother.

It's a miniscule effort as far as fund-raising goes, a mere drop in the ocean, but please support me and let's all contribute to the Motor Neurone Disease Association's efforts to alleviate the pain for others who suffer.

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The event takes place on January 1, 2012 and this fundraising page will remain in place until January 31, 2012.