The 12 Bays of Christmas challenge began on 1 December and encouraged participants to raise money for Les Bourgs by swimming in 12 Christmas-themed bays around Guernsey before New Year.
Bordeaux-ho-ho, Rocquaine Around The Christmas Tree, Baby It’s Cobo Outside, Away In Fermain-ger, the Bathing Yules and I’m Dreaming Of A Moulin White Christmas were all part of the challenge.
Some participants, such as Michelle Riddle, have already completed the challenge. Others, including Dawn Sealey and her family, are still ticking holiday-themed Guernsey bays off their list.
‘The challenge is for an excellent cause, and it very much spurred me on to keep going when I wanted to curl up in the warm house,’ said Mrs Riddle.
Before starting the chilly challenge, Mrs Riddle had not been sea swimming for years.
‘I’ve looked at the sea, but kept putting it off. This year, I finally decided to do it,’ she said.
Mrs Sealey, her husband, and 8-year-old son, Jack, have been working through the challenge as a family. They are also one of two families that created the concept for the 12 Bays challenge in 2020.
After completing the 30 Bays summer challenge in 2020, Mrs Sealey said they were keen to create a winter challenge to get people swimming in different bays despite the cold.
‘We’ve gone winter swimming for a couple of years, but we were always going to the same places. We wanted a community challenge where we could get around to different bays,’ she said.
‘It’s been great to do this as a family and it raises a lot of money for a really worthy charity,’ she said.
Liz Stonebridge, fundraising administrator at Les Bourgs, said the charity will not know the grand fundraising total until after the start of the new year. However, last year the challenge raised approximately £26,000.
‘Money has been consistently coming in throughout the month. We are really grateful to the community for all their support. We are an independent charity and we rely on the generosity of the community to provide free specialist care to anyone in the Bailiwick free of charge. This money will go directly to make a difference,’ said Ms Stonebridge.
As much as it is a fundraiser, Ms Stonebridge hoped the challenge has been mutually enjoyable and beneficial for participants.
Mrs Riddle confirmed without a doubt that she had personally gained a lot from taking part.
‘Once I got over my personal hurdles, it has really given me so much confidence,’ she said.
‘When you’re in the water, it feels like absolute freedom. All the rubbish in your head just stops for a bit. I’ve gone a bit mad with all the hats I’ve worn while swimming, but it really does keep you warmer than you’d think.’
The Sealey family favourite swim this year was at I’m Dreaming Of A Moulin White Christmas because of the beautiful scenery and a lucky afternoon of sunshine.
Both women said the winter sea swimming challenge had provided a lot of personal satisfaction and a real sense of community.
Mrs Riddle said the challenge has been a huge group effort and she is grateful for all of the help and support group administrator Min Henry gives.
Ms Stonebridge said anyone who needs more time to complete the challenge can extend their project into the new year.
Donations and sponsorships can be submitted at www.lesbourgshospice.org.gg.
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