Cat-lover Col Everitt-Barden who is fund-raising for Bury Edmunds and Stowmarket Cats Protection

A cat-lover is taking the plunge for charity by jumping into ice cold water every morning in the run up to Christmas.

Col Everitt Barden, 39, of Bacton, near Stowmarket, has set a target of raising £500 for his local branch of Cats Protection, which will use it to neuter cats - preventing unwanted kittens being abandoned.

The building society worker, who runs a cat-sitting and grooming service, said: “I have always loved cats and most of mine have come from rescue.”

Col, who has five of the pets, said: “I would have more cats if I could but my husband won’t let me.”

Thanking those who have sponsored him, he said: “No matter how small your donation is, it truly makes a difference to the cats, stopping unwanted litters being dumped on the street.”

His first dip on Monday lasted for two minutes and he has been increasing the duration by 15 seconds each day until the last day of his challenge which will last for five minutes.

Col, who moved to Suffolk from Kent in October, said he has really noticed the extra 15 seconds, each day so far, with his fingers and toes going numb due to the cold.

Thanking those who have sponsored him, he said: “No matter how small your donation is it truly makes a difference to the cats and will stop unwanted litters being dumped on the streets.”

He is due to complete his 12-day-long challenge on December 13, but will be continuing to support Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket Cats Protection in the run up to Christmas by holding raffles and collecting items for pets.

You can see regular updates from Col’s challenge on the Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket Cats Protection Facebook page.