Excitement is 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 2 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.
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 4 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.
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 years event.
To ensure the safety of everyone involved 16 kayakers will be joining the swimmers on the water, as well as 6 safety boats and the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat.
Spectators are encouraged to watch and cheer on the swimmers.
Swimmers will leave Alum Bay between 09:00 and 10:00 in the morning and are expected back at Alum Bay around 11:00. All details can be found at www.needles-swim.co.uk including links to the swimmers online fundraising pages.
