Saundersfoot's brave New Year's Day swimmers have made yet another huge splash for charity. A superb sum of over £25,200 was raised by the 656 bathers who took part in the 23rd Saundersfoot Festivities Association dip on January 1.
At the annual presentation evening, held at the village's St. Bride's Hotel, last Thursday, cheques were presented to the beneficiaries, with the RNLI, NSPCC, Elliott Lewis, who had to have his leg amputated following a lawn mower accident, and Gareth Scotcher Trust Fund, being the main beneficiaries, all receiving £1,000 donations each.
Other charities and groups supported included Diabetes Wales, Cancer Research, Lupus, Tenby Swifts Under 12s, Air Ambulance Wales, Macmillan Nurses, Tenby Fire Brigade and Withybush Hospital. Templeton YFC also raised a good sum for their chosen charities.
LATCH is also to receive a cheque which will be presented to Wales and British Lions rugby star Brett Cockbain by BBC sports reporter Rachel Treadaway Williams, who hails from Redberth, at their offices in Cardiff at a future date.
A total of 60 swimmers received certificates for raising more than £100, while the Betty Duncan award for the highest sponsored swimmer was retained for the fourth year running by Dave Young, of Saundersfoot, who raised the magnificent sum of £1,801.
"In the last five years, Dave has raised £6,500, which is absolutely incredible," said Festivities Association chairman, Martyn Williams.
As well as the award, Dave also received a family ticket for Oakwood, who were sponsors of the swim.
Other close contenders for the highest sponsored swimmer award were Sarah and Jason Hitchen from Stockport who raised in excess of £1,100, Jill Priestland (over £600), Wogan Guest House (£600), Ave Smith and Ceri Davies (£500 each), Martyn Williams (£300).
Stepaside Coachworks, who won the best group fancy dress as the Crazy Frogs, won a family ticket for Oakwood, as did Mick Booth from Saundersfoot CP School for his Christmas gift outfit which earned him the best dressed individual accolade.
A total of 17 Blue Tit awards were presented to group entries, 14 framed photographs were presented to local pubs and restaurants who participated, while a special presentation was made to Narberth Famous Fund-raisers, Pip Phillips and twins Jessica and Amie Shakesby, who not only took part in the Saundersfoot swim, but also dips in Amroth and Wiseman's Bridge immediately afterwards.
During the evening, Mr. Williams expressed his thanks to everyone who had contributed to making the swim a success, including sponsors Oakwood, Old Poultney Whisky who donated a miniature bottle to help the swimmers warm up afterwards, Chris Allen, of Westcoast Fireworks, DJ Benny Bond (Kevin Lloyd), members of HM Coastguard, St. John Ambulance and Tenby Surf and Rescue who provided emergency cover, and Andrew Evans, of St. Bride's Hotel, for hosting the presentation evening.
Meanwhile, prior to the presentations, a minute's silence was held in memory of John Nicholas, founder of the Hope MS Therapy Centre, Neyland, who had been a supporter of the swim for well over 20 years, carrying out bucket collection duties.