Hundreds of islanders pulled on their festive hats and plunged into Guernsey’s winter seas this December, helping Les Bourgs Hospice raise an outstanding £17,400 through its 2025 12 Bays of Christmas challenge.
The much-loved fundraising event saw 311 participants take on the challenge of swimming in twelve festively named bays across the island during the month of December – a significant increase on previous years and a powerful demonstration of the community’s support for the Hospice.
This year’s event was marked by a growing number of family groups and corporate teams, with businesses including HFL, SRS, Canaccord, Albany Trustee and AlterDomus encouraging staff to get involved and fundraise together.
The highest individual sponsorship total was raised by Joyce Tonkinson, whose remarkable £3,095 contribution helped push the event to its strongest result yet.
Liz Stonebridge, Fundraising Manager at Les Bourgs Hospice, said: “We have been absolutely blown away by the response to this year’s 12 Bays of Christmas. To see so many people – families, friends and work colleagues – coming together to support the Hospice in such a positive and adventurous way has been incredibly uplifting. Every pound raised helps us continue to provide specialist palliative care for islanders and their families when they need it most.”
The 12 Bays challenge has become one of Les Bourgs Hospice’s most anticipated annual fundraisers, combining wellbeing, community spirit and fundraising into a uniquely Guernsey experience. Participants shared their progress on social media throughout December, helping to raise awareness and inspire others to join in.
Liz added: “Winter sea swimming is not easy and we know that December is a busy time for many which makes it even more of a challenge to complete. Whether it was someone taking their first ever cold-water dip or teams organising lunchtime swims together, the sense of camaraderie was wonderful to see. We’re so grateful to everyone who took part, donated and our sponsor Advisory Group.”
Pictured: Left to right – Dawn Seeley, Kerry Marley, Jude Marley
