One Big Thank You came as one big surprise for Min

AN OVERWHELMED Min Henry was greeted by the cheers of around 100 hardy sea swimmers at a sunny Port Grat on Saturday, where she discovered she would be featured on the One Big Thank You section of the BBC’s The One Show due to her dedication to the Guernsey Swim All Seasons group, GSAS.

Hugs all round for Min Henry after being surprised by members of Guernsey Swim All Seasons who had nominated her for the One Big Thank You of the BBC’s The One Show.(Pictures by Luke Le Prevost, 30546477)

Mrs Henry, who won the Pride of Guernsey Diversity and Inclusion Award in September, kicked off her shoes and ran down the beach when she saw the crowd gathered.

She had been told BBC One were there to film her for Countryfile, and had no idea of the real reason.

Min Henry talking to the BBC’s John Craven while being filmed for The One Show. (30546479)

’I’m really overwhelmed – it just doesn’t feel real and it’s such an honour,’ she said.

‘It’s incredible just to see everyone here.’

Since founding GSAS in November 2020, the group has grown from 14 members to an ever-growing 2,700.

‘So many people have got such good friends here and everyone has a story behind their swim,’ Mrs Henry added.

‘You can always hear us and we are always laughing in the water. People say about having your tribe and they are just amazing.’

A video of swimmers thanking Mrs Henry was played.

The moment Min Henry realised she was not being filmed for Countryfile when she saw Guernsey Swim All Seasons members on the beach at Port Grat. (30546473)

'She is massively appreciated by every single person in the group and there’s nothing she doesn’t do for people. She’s incredible,’ said GSAS member Gary Tapp, who organised the event in secret.

‘It has been very emotional – Min is quite an emotional person but she deserves all the accolades.

‘She puts her heart and soul into all of this and I can’t speak highly enough of her or how much of a difference she has made in people’s lives.’

He said it had been challenging to hide the secret and ensure the day was kept a surprise.

‘It’s been an absolute nightmare trying to keep it quiet for three weeks,’ Mr Tapp added.

‘The radio, TV, and paper have been phoning me, but I haven’t been able to say anything.’

Her reaction after finding out the truth was to take off her shoes and run to Guernsey Swim All Seasons members. (30546475)

One Big Thank You came as a big surprise to Mrs Henry.

‘I was thinking this was really odd from Countryfile but I was just going with it and I couldn’t connect it at all,’ she said.

One swimmer, Heather Groves, described Mrs Henry as a life-saver, and valued her inclusivity of even organising a Valentine’s Day event for single islanders.

‘There isn’t any event where she doesn’t think about us,’ she said.

Fellow swimmer Nicole Inder agreed.

‘She’s very compassionate. Everybody has a story to tell and she’s helped us.

‘She’s created a great big family – we’re all salt sisters and salt brothers.’

Mrs Henry improved mental health during lockdown, said Julie Chippendale.

‘She’s an inspiration – she puts it before herself.’

Min Henry making her acceptance speech after winning receiving the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Pride of Guernsey Awards. It was presented by Lisa Barnett, left, of sponsor RBC, and Liberate's Ellie Jones. (Picture supplied by Andrew Le Poidevin)

Sue Margetts said Mrs Henry only wanted swimmers' happiness in return for all the work she put in.

‘She’s so wonderful and little did she know what she was starting.’

The One Show episode containing Min’s big surprise should be aired during March.