SWIMMERS have taken to Bournemouth’s waters as the town hosts its annual fundraiser for the British Heart Foundation.
The Pier-to Pier swim has returned this weekend, with hundreds of people taking part in charity swims between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers.
The event, which sees a series of 1.4 mile swims held across Saturday and Sunday, is held annually to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
For couple Sarah and Simon Evans, the charity is particularly special. Simon said: “My wife has had two stints of open-heart surgery, and she has been the face of the British Heart Foundation on a number of occasions. So, it’s a charity that’s close to home.”
The first few swimmers are off. @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/ZpKSKJXGbR
— Georgia Revell (@GRevellEcho) July 9, 2022
Simon took to the water shortly after 2pm on Saturday, his second time taking part in the Pier-to-Pier swim. He said: “I did the first one just before Covid struck.
“After leaving the Army, I’ve just been looking for little things to challenge myself with.”
Sarah said: “I physically would struggle with this, so it’s amazing that Simon is doing it on my behalf.
“We’ve had a lot of sponsorships from family and friends, and I’ve got a big birthday coming up this year so it’s even more meaningful.
“I feel very grateful to the British Heart Foundation and everything they’ve done.”
Particularly large crowds gathered for the Saturday afternoon swim, and with the hot weather, swimmers were eager to get off the sand and into the water.
Family and friends lined a pathway to the water, clapping and cheering as swimmers of all ages and experience passed. Sarah added: “It’s so nice to see all different ages, men, women, and loads of different types of people here to take part.”
Sea water swimming group Highcliffe Beach Bum Bluetits were also spotted at the start line.
The ladies said: “We wanted to challenge ourselves.
“It’s such a good cause, and it’s a huge personal achievement for all of us.”
Ahead of the event, another entrant, Claire, said: “It’s a really good cause and a good way to raise some money.
“I’ve done enough training, so I should be ok.”
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