Local Swimmers Smash Fundraising Target By Swimming Distance Around Island And Beyond

More than 60 members of Yarmouth Sailing Club, West Wight Swimming Club, and their families and friends gathered at the West Wight Sports & Community Centre for an ambitious challenge.

The conquest saw them swim the equivalent of the Isle of Wight’s coastline — a total of 96km (60 miles) — all in support of Yarmouth Sailing Club’s Charity of the Year.

Initially, estimates suggested the group might fall short by about 200 lengths, but from the first splash, it was clear the swimmers were determined to go the distance.

As volunteers diligently tallied lengths throughout the evening, participants were not

only hitting their goals, but often exceeding them.

Swimmers of all ages and abilities rose to the occasion.

Among the standout performances:

Bea L, recovering from injury, planned a modest 4 lengths but ended up swimming

an impressive 2.05km.

Cormac B, the youngest swimmer of the day, completed a determined 200m.

Amelie C was a true powerhouse, clocking in an astounding 4.45km.

Lottie J swam continuously for nearly three hours, notching up a jaw-dropping 10km.

By the end of the evening, the swimmers had achieved a collective total of 113km (70.2 miles) — not only enough to swim around the island, but to go all the way to Carisbrooke

from Yarmouth!

Thanks to generous sponsorship and the swimmers’ incredible efforts, the event has so far

raised £2,850, with hopes of breaking the £3,000 mark.

Claire Backhouse, Youth Development Officer for Yarmouth Sailing Club, said:

“West Wight Sports & Community Centre is a fantastic community asset that so many of us depend upon.

"We’re incredibly lucky to have it. Thank you not only to our amazing swimmers, who truly pushed themselves, but also to the army of volunteers who counted lengths, baked cakes, and cheered from the sidelines.”

Clare Griffin, Centre Manager WWSCC, added:

"All of us at West Wight Sports and Community Centre are incredibly grateful for this

fantastic fundraising effort.

"With some challenging times ahead, it's so good to know how valued we are to our community.

"Thank you to everyone who organised, swam, counted lengths, cheered, cooked cakes and sponsored!"

To support this inspiring community effort and help them reach their fundraising goal,

donations can be made at: www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/yscroundtheislandswim