Summer may be late in arriving but the July fundraising event for Les Bourgs Hospice starts very soon!
Event organisers are encouraging islanders to get signed up to support this essential charity in the Guernsey Community.
This sea swimming challenge is one of the best ways to maximise your Summer, press pause on busy lives to make it feel longer and spend more time with family and friends. It is also a great way to explore the island and make the most of Guernsey’s enviable coastline.
All participants need to do is swim a minimum of 30 strokes in 30 bays on the event list between 1st-30th July (or if needed into August). The challenge is designed to be as flexible as possible so swims can be ticked off in whichever order, whenever works best. There is no obligation to swim every day so swims can be banked on weekends or when more time is available. If accessibility to any of the bays is a concern then the swim at that bay can be swapped out for a duplicate swim at another one on the list.
There is also a smaller version of the event, 9baysin30days for those short on time, new to the event or have a young family. This takes swimmers to the easier to access beaches which also have a kiosk, toilets and parking. Entry includes a free map and sticker pack.
The event will launch on 1st July with a group swim at Vazon at 6.30pm. Vistas Beach Café will be open afterwards for a drink on the terrace with live acoustic music plus a mini menu of food options will be available (no pre-booking required).
Founder of the event, Liz Stonebridge says: “This event is very special to me as it was set up in memory of my mum and another close family member who were cared for at Les Bourgs Hospice. I know first-hand the incredible difference that the nursing team make to patients and their families and how important it is that we support them.
“I swim regularly so for me 30 bays in 30 days is not just about getting in the water but the time spent with family and friends and the unique memories that the challenge brings. Whether you already swim every day or an occasional dipper I promise that each swim will be different depending on weather, state of tide, time of day or who you are swimming with. Please sign up today and be part of something that really helps to make a difference.”
Full information and registration link can be found for both events at www.30bays.org. It is £15 for adults, £5 for children or £35 for a family entry. There is also a team entry of 5 people taking part so the list of bays can be shared out. It is hoped that businesses will encourage their staff to take part in this option in support of their employee wellbeing strategies. Registrations can also be made at the group swim at 6.30pm on Saturday 1st July 2024 and any time throughout the month.
The continued support of sponsor Rocq Capital has meant swimmers will again receive a map to tick off their bays which has been illustrated by the talented Caroline Cummins of Little Paper Gallery (or Ginny Morgan for the smaller 9 bays option) which will be very kindly delivered by Guernsey Post.
The main photo shows Stuart Perfitt – Executive Chairman, Rocq Captial and Liz Stonebridge, Fundraising & Communications Manager, Les Bourgs Hospice.
