Thanks to Krissy for sharing details of this upcoming charity evening. Ed
Excitement (and a few nerves!) are building with the approach of the very first Needles Swim in aid of West Wight Sports and Community Centre.
Nine swimmers will be taking part in the tough, two mile swim on Sunday 23rd August which will see them go around and through the middle of the most iconic landmark on the Isle of Wight.
Huge achievement for Polio survivor
The swim is a significant personal achievement for all involved, but none more so than for Fran Holdsworth, who has masterminded the event. Fran contracted Polio aged four and spent 16 months in hospital.
This year sees her celebrating 60 years of using crutches after losing the use of her legs. However Fran is no stranger to open water challenges having taken part in the Ryde to Portsmouth swim, and initiated the Colwell to Hurst swim in aid of the Samaritans.
Staff taking part too
Also swimming will be West Wight Sports and Community Centre staff members – Aidan Taylor who is a lifeguard and instructor – and Clare Griffin, Centre Manager.
They will be joined by Storyteller, Sue Bailey; Charlie Baggott, Penny Noyes, Zoe Wilson, Shaun Overton and Chloe Higgins. All have already swum the Solent and Clare also swam round the Needles last year as a ‘test’ swim for this year’s event.
Kayakers help out again
To ensure the safety of everyone involved 16 kayakers will be joining the swimmers on the water, as well as six safety boats and the Freshwater Bay Inshore Lifeboats.
Spectators are encouraged to come along to watch and cheer on the swimmers.
Swimmers will leave Alum Bay between 9am and 10am and are expected back at Alum Bay around 11am.
All details can be found at www.needles-swim.co.uk including links to the swimmers online fundraising pages.
