From pool swimmer to open water challenge in five weeks
JUST five weeks ago, Guy Hardill had never swam in the sea.
Yet on a wet and windy night last week, he conquered a 1.5 mile route around Havelet Bay in less than an hour and has raised more than £1,600 for the GSPCA.
He grew up in Yorkshire and did not learn to swim until a few years ago when he took lessons at Beau Sejour.
But when he heard a charity close to his heart was struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he decided to plunge himself into unknown waters to do his part.
‘I chose the GSPCA because I know what a fantastic job they do for Guernsey wildlife and also fly the flag for Guernsey in terms of representation across the UK,’ he said.
‘Funds are scarce in this lockdown period with no kennelling or cattery with people not travelling, yet the animal shelter needs to operate.
‘I also know they have lost an ambulance due to mechanical failure and all funds raised will go towards to that project.’
So far, Mr Hardill’s Giving.gg page, named Round Havelet Swim, has raised more than £1,600 to help get the GSPCA’s ambulance operational again, leaving him just £400 away from his £2,000 goal.
The swim began at the bathing pools, and went to Castle Cornet, then back across to the red buoy, then the Moulinet buoy before returning to the starting line.
Go Guernsey’s Phil Le Poidevin manned a safety kayak for the event and Mr Hardill’s wife, Jo, also braved the choppy waters to support him through his challenge.
GSPCA manager Steve Byrne praised Mr Hardill’s achievement.
‘We cannot thank Guy enough for undertaking this huge challenge to help raise funds for our much needed new animal ambulance,’ he said.
‘It is amazing to think that five weeks ago Guy had never swam in open water and he is now taking on this challenge in aid of the GSPCA.
‘Yesterday should have been our biggest event of the year, with Seafront Sunday bringing around 10,000 people together but with the coronavirus pandemic we have faced some of the most difficult days in our history and we continue to appeal for much-needed support during these very difficult days.’
. To donate, visit giving.gg and search for Round Havelet Swim.
