A group of guide dog fans braved the waves at Saundersfoot on New Year’s Day.

Lynn Knibbs, Lyn Sandal and Debbie Ludlow made the splash alongside married couple Helen and Tony Hedley at the annual New Year’s Day Swim. The event, which first took place 40 years ago, attracts thousands of people each year and raises money for local charities.

Lynn, Lyn and Debbie call themselves “Team Littlefoot” after the Saundersfoot café that Debbie used to run, and have been raising money for charity for seven years. They entered the sea dressed in dog costumes, complete with masks and paws!

Tony and Helen with Team Littlefoot
Tony and Helen with Team Littlefoot (Pic supplied)

Lynn Knibbs, who is on the event committee, said: “This was my fourth time to go in for the swim. The water is bracing at about 4 degrees!”

Helen and Tony, who both support the Guide Dogs group in Pembrokeshire, dressed as cavemen for the event and were joined by two friends from Yorkshire. They have sponsorship of nearly £700 so far, with support from all over the UK.

‘Cavemen‘ Helen and Tony Hedley and friends in Saundersfoot, proudly displaying their NYDS medals.
‘Cavemen‘ Helen and Tony Hedley and friends in Saundersfoot, proudly displaying their NYDS medals. (Pic supplied)

Helen, who is losing her central vision, first took part in the swim seven years ago for another cause close to her heart. “We lost my nephew, who was just 23, and my father in the same year,” she said. “Seventeen members of my family did the swim in aid of the local hospice and raised £7,000. We were all very proud to do it in memory of our loved ones.”

Helen and Tony Hedley with Blue, their black Labrador
Helen and Tony Hedley with Blue, their black Labrador (Pic supplied)

If you’d like to help the swimmers raise money for Guide Dogs Cymru, visit Helen Hedley is fundraising for Guide Dogs (justgiving.com).