On Sunday 8th September, 29 swimmers took to the water off Rosemullion Head in Falmouth Bay and put their best strokes forward as they took on the 5km course ending at Silver Steps on Pendennis Head – all to raise funds for RCHT Charity and Cornwall Wildlife Trust in partnership with Sureswim Kernow.
So far, over £7,000 has been raised for the local causes with donations still being received.
“Despite the terrible weather overnight, the conditions were great, clear and flat sea conditions meant some awe-inspiring sights of the underwater world to help them along the way and all swimmers made it to the finish line with big smiles at their achievement,” said Karen Murrish, Fundraising Manager for Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity.
“In its second year, funds raised for our charity will be used to support staff wellbeing initiatives at our NHS Trust. During the pandemic, the importance of NHS staff wellbeing was really pushed to the forefront of people’s minds and today there is no less importance on their health and wellbeing and the impact it has not only on themselves, but also on the care they are able to provide to our growing local population,” Karen adds.
Event partners for 2024, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, will use money raised to boost the Ocean Emergency Fund, helping to secure the future of the fascinating – but fragile – marine habitats and species around the Cornwall coast.
The challenge route took place exclusively in the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation, an international designation afforded to protect the marine environment.
Matt Slater of Cornwall Wildlife Trust explains the importance of the area, “The bay has nationally important maerl beds and seagrass meadows, both habitats are critical nursery areas for many familiar and commercially important fish species, including bass, scallops, rays, and cuttlefish. They are also invaluable in the fight against climate change due to their extraordinary ability to store “blue carbon”. As the swimmers passed Stack Point, they passed over one of the UK’s best examples of the incredibly rare and ‘irreplaceable’ maerl beds.”
The event organisers extended their thanks to the individuals and local businesses that generously gave their time and products to make the event a success.
“A huge thank you to SureSwim Kernow, Porthtowan SLSC, St Agnes Surf Life Saving Club Falmouth Surf Life Saving Club , Harbour Lights Fish & Chips, Castle Beach Cafe, Fourth Element, WestCountry – A Passion for Food, Rosemullion Farm, Lifestar Medical Ltd and of course all of the individual safety crew and event volunteers.
Finally, well done to all of the swimmers for completing the challenge and to all of the friends, family and donors that helped them to fundraise,” said Karen Murrish.
Anyone wishing to support the swimmers can still so via the event fundraising pages:
- RCHT Charity: 5k Across the Bay 2024 – JustGiving
- Cornwall Wildlife Trust: 5K Across The Bay for Cornwall Wildlife Trust – JustGiving