A former marine engineer mechanic at the Royal Navy is embarking on the final few days of "a very, very tough challenge".

For 31 days this month, David Jones has been taking the plunge with an early morning swim in the North Sea at Lowestoft as he raises awareness of - and money for - a veterans retreat that has helped him rebuild his life.

Lowestoft Journal: David Jones ahead of one of his daily challenges as part of his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesDavid Jones ahead of one of his daily challenges as part of his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Jones - an armed forces veteran turned music artist - said he has "gone from strength to strength" since being sent to the Noon Cregg CIC Veterans Retreat in Penzance earlier this year.

The retreat, which offers "a safe site" for veterans who suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues, became Mr Jones' home for a month during the summer after he was sent there to recover after he tried to take his own life.

Lowestoft Journal: David Jones embarking on his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesDavid Jones embarking on his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Jones, 42, from Lowestoft, served in the Royal Navy for five years before he was medically discharged with PTSD in 2003.

He said that after "years of suffering in silence" that included a previous attempt to take his own life, Mr Jones was diagnosed with ultradian rapid cycle bipolar.

Lowestoft Journal: David Jones embarking on his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesDavid Jones embarking on his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"It is a very rare condition of bipolar disorder that has meant I have hurt a lot of people," he said.

"I had to give up work and have suffered for 20 years having fallen through all the warning nets since then.

Lowestoft Journal: David Jones embarking on his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesDavid Jones embarking on his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"But since coming home from Noon Cregg, who have given me so much help, I am raising money for them with this very, very tough challenge as I owe it all to them. 

"I have gone from strength to strength and now established myself as a music artist with a record contract to produce my first album, called The Fingerprint, that is being released next year."

Tough challenge

Having turned his life around and made a major recovery, Mr Jones said this "strength" and cold water therapy expertise he has mastered, this has enabled him to take on the tough "31 Day North Sea charity swim" challenge, which is supported by Lowestoft business Dean's Beans.

Lowestoft Journal: David Jones embarking on his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesDavid Jones embarking on his 31-day North Sea charity swim at Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

He has already raised £670 of his £1,000 target by taking part in the daily North Sea swim at Lowestoft South Beach that lasts between six and 15 minutes.

You can donate online via https://www.gofundme.com/f/87uc5-veterans-retreat