£12k raised for Les Bourgs

Saturday 25 January 2025

Hardy swimmers braving the cold winter seas have raised £12,000 for Les Bourgs Hospice.

The annual 12 Bays of Christmas challenge saw swimmers - including hospice staff, family groups, work teams friends groups and even Pepper the dog with her owner Diary of a Sea Swimmer - visiting festively themed coastal spots last month.

The second youngest participant was Riva-Mae who also raised the second highest amount of sponsorship of £530, while the team 'Rick’s Robins' were the highest group fundraisers with an amazing £1,305.

Rick's Robins were all first time winter sea swimmers who said they “thoroughly enjoyed” challenge, having taken it on in memory of their friend Anna
Angell who had been cared for by the Hospice.

They said “witnessing first-hand the services that are provided by them at a time when people need it the most” encouraged them in their cold dips.

Sponsor Melanie Torode said: “Advisory Services (Guernsey) Limited were delighted to sponsor Les Bourgs 12 Bays of Christmas swimming event in 2024 and we are thrilled with the amount raised this year.

"Not only are many of our team keen sea swimmers but we also understand just how important the services of Les Bourgs are to the community of Guernsey.

"Les Bourgs relies solely on public support so events like these are crucial for fund raising and keeping the hospice going. Thank you to everyone who took part and collected sponsorship, we’ve loved seeing all the updates throughout December.”

Liz Stonebridge from the Hospice thanked everyone who had got involved with the challenge or sponsored someone.

“We know that Christmas is a busy time of year and brings more challenging sea swimming conditions so we really appreciate the commitment from people. Our grateful thanks also goes to the brilliant team at the Bathing Pools who hosted our launch swim. It was the perfect venue which created such a buzz with a constant flow of people throughout the morning. It is always a bonus to know that people are having fun while raising money for such an important local charity.”

Pictured top: Liz Stonebridge (Les Bourgs Hospice - left) and Cathy Lloyd (Advisory Group – right). (Chris George photography)