A COMMUNITY is preparing to take the plunge to raise money in memory of a Cornish Royal Marine.

In February 2025, Royal Marine, Ben Sykes lost his life aged only 29, however, his friends and family are keeping his memory alive while raising money for an important cause.

Launched last year on what would have been Ben’s 30th birthday, a crowds took to the cold Bude Sea Pool water to raise funds for the Royal Marine Association (RMA), a charity which has been a pillar of support for Ben’s family since his passing.

This year, organisers are hoping for a repeat, with plans to jump in at midday on Saturday, November 21.

Organised by Ben’s sister Natalie, she says the event gives the community the chance to remember Ben by taking part in one of his favourite activities.

She explained: “ The reason we are doing it is two fold, my brother, Ben, used to love cold water! In fact, he used to say "see water, get in it" and he regularly went in the sea fully clothed in Bude and would jump in the sea pool in the middle of winter for fun.

“So by doing this it feels like an appropriate way of honouring his memory. We hold the dip on what would have been his birthday weekend as a way to celebrate his life and keep his memory alive. This year would have been his 31st birthday.”

Natalie adds that the swim also keeps the community pushing itself through a challenge which is hard for even some of the bravest.

She continued: “The other side of why we do it is because getting in cold water is a challenge for even the bravest of us! It's putting mind over matter and realising that doing it in a big group is often so much easier than doing it alone - we are raising money for the Royal Marines Association.

“Ben's dream from being a young child was to become a Royal Marine - something that he achieved, and we were all so proud of him. By challenging ourselves we are hoping to raise much needed funds and awareness for a charity that supports all families of the Royal Marines.

“Whilst Ben wasn't serving when he died, they still stepped up to support us. Ben was a big advocate of raising money to help others, so hopefully by doing this in his name we not only celebrate Ben, take a moment to remember all of those who have left us far too soon, but always raise money and awareness to help families who will need it in the future.”

Natalie and her family have expressed that they would love to see as many people get involved with ‘Ben’s Dip 2026’.

“The key factor is we'd love to see as many people down at the sea pool as we can,” She said. “Named after Ben, it's an opportunity for the whole community to get together and do something challenging on a November Saturday in aid of a fantastic cause!”