Saturday morning saw the wonderful spectacle of the first TenFoot charity swim from Tenby to Saundersfoot.

The inaugural event saw 175 swimmers take on the 5K endurance challenge from Tenby’s North Beach to Saundersfoot beach. This would have been a difficult challenge at the best of times, but the swimmers had to contend with poor conditions from the weather and the changing tide.

At the start, swimmers and spectators were entertained by music from Bruce Campbell and commentary from Kevin Lloyd and were sent on their way by Tenby’s Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, and her town crier, Jim Cornwell. Once underway, the swimmers entered the water and made their way to Monkstone Point.

Throughout the challenge, the team of kayakers and safety boats made sure the swimmers were safe and were also on hand to offer encouragement along the way.

On arrival at Saundersfoot beach, the swimmers were entertained by the music of Samba Doc, who played their hearts out for all the swimmers who completed the mammoth challenge.

The first to arrive at Saundersfoot beach was Andrew Wallace from Pembroke.

Each swimmer was presented with a specially designed TenFoot medal, courtesy of Richard Graham, of Big Brum’s, by chairman of Saundersfoot Community Council, Clr. Anthony Mattick, and Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane. Also, they were given Princes Gate Water and Welsh cakes and soup courtesy of Sue’s Pantry.

Those who didn’t fancy swimming the 5K route completed their own endurance challenge - the TenFoot Trek, which was a walk along the coastal path instead. The 110 trekkers had the opportunity to take in the stunning views and encourage the swimmers from their elevated position.

In the evening, all swimmers, volunteers and sponsors were invited to the Regency Hall where they were entertained with live music provided by local artistes, James Hinchliffe, Butch, Gluee, Tied and Wasted.

During the evening, Anthony Mattick (member of the TenFoot committee) took time to thank all the people present who had made the swim such a success. A special mention was given to each of the many commercial sponsors for their generosity as their financial support ensured that every penny of the entry fee was donated to the nominated charities.

Anthony Mattick then introduced Chris Williams who had the pleasure of informing the audience that the TenFoot Swim had raised £10,000 and handed a cheque for £5,000 each to The Rory Rogers Fund and Bloodwise.

The prizes in the raffle were then announced which included a fourball at Celtic Manor, a trip in a brand new Ferrari Spyder 488 and a number of meals provided by local restaurants in Saundersfoot.

The TenFoot organising committee would like to express their extreme thanks and gratitude to all the volunteers, 37 kayakers, 21 boats, three jetskis, stewards and photographers who ensured that the swim was a success.

A special thank you for the support and professionalism of the Tenby (Ted Lewis and co) and Saundersfoot (Nick Lightfoot and co) Sailing Clubs, Pembrokeshire Paddlers, doctors, Tenby RNLI, Kevin Cheeseman, Emmet Johnson and the lifeguards from Surf Link-Tenby.

The safety team ensured that all swimmers were monitored throughout the swim and the doctors who were on hand at Monkstone Beach to physically assess every swimmer before they were allowed to carry on, Joseph Riddell, Leigh Roberts-Jones and Anne Alison. This process resulted in a small number of swimmers being withdrawn. This just showed how difficult the swim was, especially in the conditions that morning.

Lastly, thanks to Michael Davies (chief executive officer of Saundersfoot Harbour) and Mathew Broadhurst (Tenby harbourmaster) and their respective teams for their support before, during and after the event.

Due to the success and positive feedback about the swim, the TenFoot organising committee are due to meet to finalise details of the 2018 TenFoot Swim. The 2018 date will be released within the next month.

Further information about the swim can be found the website www.tenfootswim.co.uk and Facebook. TenFoot Swim main sponsor was Holiday Cottages.