The 12 Bays of Christmas event has raised an incredible £22k for Les Bourgs Hospice.
Nearly 600 people took on the challenge to take a dip in the cold waters of twelve festively named bays around the island during the month of December.
Liz Stonebridge, Fundraising Administrator for the Hospice said: “We know that there are lots more people swimming all-year round so we are even more grateful than ever to those who have continued to support us, as well as those who were braving the Winter sea for the first time.
“There is always a buzz of excitement at these swims and a real sense of fun and camaraderie so we hope that everyone who took part enjoyed the event and it becomes a regular Christmas tradition for them.
“Our fundraising events are such a key part of meeting our running costs and it is through mass participation that they can really make a difference. Proceeds will go directly to supporting the provision of free, specialist care to our patients and their loved ones by our nursing team.”
New for this year’s event was a successful collaboration with The Bathing Pools to provide 12 Bays swimmers with a chance to warm up after their dip next to their log burner and have a free hot drink courtesy of sponsors Rocq Capital.
The event is starting to become more popular with corporates too with the Investec ‘Zeabras’ raising the most in sponsorship with £2,000 raised through donations and matched funding.
Emily Dawson from Investec commented: “Ten colleagues braved the cold going at lunchtime and weekends – it certainly woke us up for the afternoon at work! It’s been fantastic not only raising money for the important care that Les Bourgs provides, but also spending time with colleagues across our business that you don’t normally get to interact with, we’ve created a wonderful team spirit and even continuing to swim now – as long as there is a coffee and cake afterwards.”
Event organisers were delighted to have a record number of photos being submitted for the 12 Bays competition. This made it a tough decision for the judges but the winning entry was from The Mental Tentacles swim group for their epic tea party on Cobo beach. In recognition of the fantastic efforts of other participants an additional prize was added to the competition for the photo which placed second (pictured).
