43 Swimmers Cross The Solent In Aid Of West Wight Sports Centre

43 swimmers successfully crossed the Solent to raise money for West Wight Sports and Community Centre over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The postponed Solent Swim took place on Sunday (27th August|) – the 13th time that the annual swim has taken place to raise funds for the Charity.

Kayakers and a small number of boats created a swim corridor leading from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay as the swimmers set off at around 7am.

Lifeboat crews from Freshwater Bay were also on hand to assist anyone in need.

A large crowd of family, friends and supporter travelled from near and far to gather on the beach at Colwell Bay, cheering and whooping the  swimmers to the finish as they arrived on the slipway where they triumphantly donned their commemorative t-shirts sponsored by Yarmouth Harbour.

Kim Jennings, from East Cowes took part in the event for the first time and said:

“An absolutely magnificent swim and event! Thank you to everyone who made this day so special. Congratulations to everyone!"

Centre Manager Clare Griffin thanked everyone who made the swim possible:

“Thank you to the 32 kayakers, boat crews, Freshwater Lifeboat, Captains Cabin, Yarmouth Harbour, Needles Pleasure Cruises, Blackhouse Quay Aggregates and all the beach crews - we couldn't do it without you.”

The Solent Swim event is the main fundraiser for West Wight Sports and Community Centre, which relies on grants, donations and fundraising to provide sport, wellbeing and social activities for the community.

Now in its thirteenth year, over 450 people have swum the Solent, raising over £240,000 for the charity.