Les Bourgs Hospice new fundraising event – 12 Bays of Christmas

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 a late surge in numbers signing up.

Liz Stonebridge, Fundraising Administrator says “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 eg 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 The Tiny Island Studio.

Participants will also have an option to purchase a woollen bobble hat which will hopefully help people identify others who are taking part in the challenge but most importantly also reduce heat loss when in the sea.

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.

The Hospice will be hosting a “12 Bays Day” at the Bathing Yules (Pools) on Saturday 2nd December (10am-2.30pm) when participants can drop-in for their swim and get a free hot drink (kindly sponsored by Rocq Capital) 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!.

Registrations (£15 for adults, £5 for U18s) can be made via a link on the Hospice website, by downloading a form from the site or signing up in person at the ’12 Bays Day’ at the Bathing Pools

For any queries about the event please email [email protected] or ring Liz Stonebridge on 07781 122914.