Christmas plunge has helped causes

Jan 30 2008 by Abby Alford, South Wales Echo

SWIMMERS who took the plunge in Porthcawl on Christmas morning have raised more than £4,300 for charity.

At a presentation evening at the Hi Tide Inn in the town, the Porthcawl Christmas morning swim committee handed over £2,500 to children’s cancer charity Latch.

Headway, the brain injury association, and Porthcawl Lifeguard Club were also presented with donations of £350 each.

Other beneficiaries included the Fire Service Benevolent Fund, Porthcawl Buckaneers, Porthcawl and Pyle Boxing Club, St John Ambulance, the Coastguard Association and RNLI.

Committee spokesman Ian Stroud said: “This was our most successful swim ever, with more than 850 swimmers taking part. The scene at Sandy Bay was very exciting and something I will always remember.”

Treasurer Marilyn Richards said: “The atmosphere on the day was very special, even on an overcast Christmas morning.”