Cheshire Home grateful to hundreds of swimmers

HUNDREDS of islanders started Boxing Day with a sea swim to raise money for charity, while even more watched and stayed warm.

A pre-swim warm-up for, left to right, Jo Huxtable, Pip de Garis, Natalie Chandler, Nicola Chandler and Jane England. (Pictures by Peter Frankland, 30345677)

The 22nd annual Boxing Day Dip was a great, feel-good occasion that was both fun for swimmers and raised necessary funds for Guernsey Cheshire Home.

Each year, the charity must raise £600,000 from community events to support its residents with complex needs.

Terry, 8, and 6-year-old Violet Chatfield in front and behind them left to right, Linda Le Page, Jo Hudson, Geoff Le Page and Pauline Marquis. (30345671)

The home provides care and a home for people who need constant care and are unable to live on their own.

‘We’re really grateful for everyone who comes and donates,’ said Rhona Humphreys, chairwoman of the Cheshire Home Support Group.

‘It’s one of those great, Guernsey feel-good events, and it helps wake everyone up right after lazy Christmas dinners. It’s just a lot of fun.’

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink started the event, and aside from asking swimmers to take a lateral flow test before meeting up with family and friends on the beach, organisers had said they hoped the event would feel normal.

Fancy dress was the order of the day for, left to right, Jo Hind, Jo Joyce, Dulcie Walters, Tim Walters, Rebecca Hind, Anne Walters and Matthew Hind. (30345675)

Last year, Mrs Humphreys estimated 3,000 people were at the beach, and the dip raised more than £9,000. She estimated a similar numbers of people had turned out this year.

Over the next few days, Mrs Humphreys said she will be counting all of the funds raised, and announcing the total and a better estimate of how many attended on Sunday.

This year, the Boxing Day Dip swimmers dived into a rising tide, and were soon in the chilly December water.

‘They really didn't have far to run this year,’ said Mrs Humphreys.

At 9.30, the countdown was broadcast across the beach, and hordes of festive swimmers ran into the water. Some stayed in for a few seconds, while others swam for more than 15 minutes.

Robin Everest and Cheshire Home Support Group chairwoman Rhona Humphreys were collecting donations. (30345685)

This year, the event was sponsored by Skipton International for the first time, and the company offered a free shuttle bus between North Beach and Cobo throughout the morning.

However, parking was still difficult and traffic was backed up before and after the event. Diversions also routed traffic in front of the Rockmount during the swim.

Swim caps were also available from volunteers, and as people came off the beach, certificates were given out to recognise everyone’s achievement.

Mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies were served in the Rockmount before and after the swim.