12 Bays of Christmas fundraising event

Calling all sea swimmers!

Whether you are a dedicated every day dipper, weekend regular, tempted tryer or use it as a once a month social, Les Bourgs Hospice needs your support. The 12 Bays of Christmas event is not just a bit of festive fun, it is an important fundraiser so they would love to see as many people sea swimming as possible.

Liz Stonebridge, Fundraising Manager said: “We know that Christmas is a busy time of year and it is all too easy to get caught up in thinking that we just don’t have enough time. All it takes is a quick dip to reap the benefits of cold water immersion, get recharged and have the feel good factor from doing your bit for charity. The event has been designed to be achievable by ticking swims off on weekends and bank holidays so by getting a group of friends or family together it becomes a great way of catching up with people too. This is your chance to give a little and make a big difference to everyone who we care for.”

The event was inspired by an idea dreamt up by the Marley and Sealey families who are all keen sea swimmers. The 12 Bays of Christmas challenge encourages islanders to take a dip in 12 bays during the month of December.

Each bay on the list has a festively-themed name e.g. Bordeaux-ho-ho or Chestnuts Rousse-ing on an open fire. Following feedback from swimmers, the ones chosen should give a variety of options for a sheltered dip in any weather. In keeping with the original 30baysin30days concept, each swimmer will receive a Christmas-themed map that has been kindly illustrated by Caroline Veron Design.

Participants will also have an option to purchase a woollen bobble hat, and new for this year a ‘12 bays’ jumper! These will help people identify others who are taking part in the challenge and/or a £10 donation towards home cooked meals for patients and their loved ones over the Christmas period. Advisory Services Group have generously funded the first 50 meals required for the festive period.

Safety of swimmers is paramount so only those who are medically fit should consider participating in the challenge. In addition, each participant will receive tips and information about how to stay safe during and after a cold-water swim and wearing a wetsuit will be optional. The emphasis is also for people to take part within in their own limitations so there is no target time, distance or number of strokes to swim, or even to complete all bays if conditions are not right to swim.

We’re excited to announce that Advisory Services Group is the new event sponsor, generously supporting the 12 Bays of Christmas. Their contribution will help ensure this year’s event is a huge success, supporting the vital services the Hospice provides to patients and families.

The Hospice will be hosting a “12 Bays Day” at the Bathing Yules (Pools) on Saturday 30 th November (10am-1pm) when participants can drop-in and register for the event, complete their first swim, and get a free hot drink and a mini mince pie (kindly sponsored by Manor Farm Foods). The wood burning stove will be fired up and a Christmas market will be held upstairs so a great chance to get festive!