Weymouth's annual Christmas day harbour swim saw hundreds of people take the plunge for charity.
Organisers Weymouth & Portland Lions Club are celebrating a fantastic turnout as a total of 376 swimmers braved the icy waters of Weymouth Harbour in fancy dress – with costumes ranging from Santas, elves – and even Teletubbies.
Christmas morning saw both sides of the harbour packed with spectators who turned out to enjoy the atmosphere outside pubs and eateries. Races started at 11am, with participants taking the plunge from the harbourside on Trinity Road and swimming to the opposite side of the water near the Harbour Master’s office on Custom House Quay.
Vice president of the Lions club Ryan Hope was delighted by the strong show of support from the community.
“It was really good to see everyone in high spirits and numbers back up to pre-Covid levels, helping raise money for Lions’ charities,” Mr Hope said.
“Our thanks go to all the swimmers who took part – without so many people crazy enough to do this event we wouldn’t be able to raise so much money for good causes and bring the community together on Christmas morning.”
Donations are still flooding in so it is too early to say how much has been raised from this years’ swim, but according to the Lions’ vice president, one man, Jason Pring, has raised more than £1,000 for local charity the Veterans Hub.
Swimmers of all ages took part – but the youngest swimmer this year was eight year-old Henry Billingham, who was joined by his brother Charlie, aged 10.
Speaking to the Echo after the event, proud dad Paul Billingham said: “We found the swim so well organised and it was great to see so many supporters.
- This year’s youngest swimmer, Henry Billingham, 8, and brother Charlie, 10 and dad Paul
“We waited until last to get in the water and after a few seconds of panic the boys were fine and smiling, they left the water smiling and were happy and proud to be wearing their well deserved medals.”
Funds raised from the event will be used to support a variety of local good causes in Weymouth and Portland. Anyone wishing to donate online can do so by searching for Weymouth & Portland Lions Club on gofundme.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/weymouth-portland-lions-club?utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR2vvudWK9GosX2CbkeeTQ7qvRmucR8IjXXxuOR99fmlsN09q5IkoZA0dYo
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