The unique suggestion and commitment by Peter Kidney in January 2016 to swim the Cleddau in aid of the RNLI was quite something to hear (writes D.B.). My thoughts were ‘How do we help him achieve this?’

Supported by Angle Lifeboat Station and Milford Haven Port Authority, Peter Kidney swam from Hook to Hobbs Point, Pembroke Dock, in under three hours on Sunday, September 4, in aid of RNLI Angle Lifeboat Station, raising £1,221 on the day.

Peter’s charity swim had been cancelled twice recently, owing to adverse weather conditions.

With acceptable weather conditions expected this time, Richard Bowles, Angle Station mechanic and Tamar lifeboat crew, liaised pre-swim formalities with Brian McFarlane, water ranger for Milford Haven Port Authority. A crewed safety boat escort for Peter being vital, Richard’s support went on.

A volunteer crewed safety boat was organised and manned at no expense to Peter or the RNLI.

The crew of three were, Richard Bowles, fellow RIB owner and Angle Lifeboat crew volunteer Richard Davidson and Nigel Berry, Angle Lifeboat crew volunteer. Without this ‘priceless’ support, Peter’s swim could not have gone ahead.

You really had to be at Hobbs Point to experience the atmosphere as the RIB crew and Peter approached the slip. Peter’s family, friends and supporters cheering them all home, together with the sound of the end-of-race siren from the yacht club itself.

The first donation to Angle Lifeboat Station and Peter was presented to Peter just yards from the water’s edge.

Dennis Taylor, president of the Pembroke Dock Old Comrades Association of The Royal Engineers, handed Peter an envelope containing a cheque for £1,000. An overwhelming moment.

A great celebration followed for Peter and ‘his crew’, with a yacht club RNLI fundraising barbecue.

Local band, The Krooks, donating their time again for the charity, played during the afternoon, whilst yacht club RNLI race day sailors finished their race to join us.

You really had to be there. Peter’s commitment, supported by ‘his crew’ created this fund-raiser for the charity.

The RNLI could not undertake research and development into new boats and stations, give their crews the best equipment to provide a 24/7 coastal rescue, inland waterway rescue service, flood rescue service and seasonal lifeguard service, without everyone involved on Sunday.

A huge thank you to you all on behalf of the RNLI. The final figure raised by Peter will be announced shortly.