A record 75 swimmers successfully crossed the Solent from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay on Saturday (25th July), raising vital funds for West Wight Sports & Community Centre.
Held in near-perfect conditions on Saturday (25th July), this year’s West Wight Solent Swim saw participants of all ages and abilities complete the iconic open water challenge, supported by 46 kayakers, 6 power boats and the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat.
Swimmers entered the water at Hurst Castle at 07:15 for the annual crossing, which returned successfully after last year’s event had to be abandoned despite 3 attempts because of unsuitable conditions.
Although the event is not a race, the first swimmer ashore was West Wight Swimming Club coach Lottie James. Fellow coaches Jack Pickford and Beth William also completed the crossing, with father-and-son duo Charlie and Milo Bagot close behind.
For many taking part, however, the achievement was about far more than finishing first, with swimmers overcoming anxiety, fear and personal challenges to reach Colwell Bay.
Among the most emotional moments of the day was the arrival of brother and sister Paula and Chris Miles, who were overcome with emotion as they reached the shore together. They are the grandchildren of Shirley Miles, one of the volunteers who helped build the swimming pool at West Wight Sports & Community Centre, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2028.
The oldest participant was 76-year-old Michael Bullock, who completed the crossing alongside his brother Clive, who is also in his seventies.
Michael, a regular at the Centre’s weekly specialist care swimming sessions, served in the RAF during the Falklands conflict, Gulf War and operations in Cambodia. Living with scoliosis sustained during his military service and central neuropathy, he was also diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. Unable to swim front crawl, he completed the entire crossing on his back.
Together, the brothers are expected to have raised more than £1,000 for the charity.
The event also showcased the strong family spirit surrounding the swim. Lesley Dye completed the challenge for a second time alongside daughter Ella and sons-in-law Morgan Gilbert and Dan Chada, while husband Andy captained one of the support boats.
For Isabel Hunt, the challenge began as a Christmas gift from her son Rhys, who has supported the event for many years as a kayaker. This year, Rhys joined the swimmers alongside his partner Louisa Critchley, while Isabel completed the crossing with swim partner Charlotte Wells.
The Murphy family were also well represented, with sister Liz swimming while brothers Tom and Tony supported the event as kayakers.
Clare Griffin, Event Director and Centre Manager at West Wight Sports & Community Centre, said:
“This year’s swim was our biggest ever and what an incredible day it was.”
“Huge thanks go to the many volunteers, safety teams, supporters and participants who worked so hard to make it happen.”
