This Sunday, if you’re taking advantage of the Ryde Regatta and listening to the great line-up of live Island music on the seafront, keep your eyes peeled for a team of 24 swimmers.
We hear from Duncan Smith that a number of Police officers and charity fundraisers will be braving the Solent (and predicted rain) this Sunday to swim the three and a quarter miles from Ryde to Gosport.
There’ll be 12 members of the Hampshire Constabulary taking part and we understand that the sponsorship (each swimmer needs to raise a minimum of £100) cash raised will be split between two charities – Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS), who have, over the years allowed swimmers the use of their premises at Gosport and national charity KIDS, which has a local centre in Fareham and offers support, care and education to children who have disabilities.
Police triathlon member, Sergeant Mike Sizer-Green said:
“The predicted rough weather on Sunday will make the cross-Solent particularly challenging because we will have to contend with rough water and rain. It will be good practise for when four colleagues and I swim the English Channel next month, as part of a 289 mile triathlon from London to Paris.”
Well done to Zoggs (goggle makers), Wightlink (who will allow free travel to the Island) and Gosport Ferry (who will allow free travel to Portsmouth) who are all supporting the event.
