Swim For Hope raises £26,000

Twenty-seven swimmers took part in Wessex Cancer Support’s Swim for Hope recently, braving the 1¼ mile crossing from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay to raise £26,438 to support local people affected by cancer.

Michelle Salsbury, one of the organisers, said: “I am proud that, since the event began four years ago, we still have keen swimmers raising a huge amount for the charity. I can’t wait to do it all again in 2025!”

The charity’s regional fund-raising manager, Laura Haytack, added: “This event is tough to organise with so many on–the-water logistics, but we have an incredibly dedicated team of supporters including Freshwater Lifeboat, The Needles Pleasure Cruise, and over 20 kayakers and support boats who all made this day possible. Swim for Hope is one of my favourite events, with the day bringing so much joy to all those taking part.”

The 2025 Swim for Hope will take place on Saturday, July 19, next year. If you’d like to be a part of the team and make a splash in 2025, go to iw.observer/swim-for-hope-2025.Swim For Hope raises £26,0