Swimmers dived into a 1.5k open sea swim challenge to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit at Torbay Hospital.

The swim at Blackpool Sands on Saturday, September 22, was organised by Liz Riley.

Of the 30 swimmers who took on the challenge, a few have used SCBU with newborn babies. All the participants are local to Dartmouth and most are new to sea swimming, making it even more of a challenge.

The swimmers went from one end of Blackpool Sands to the other and back again to reach the 1.5k challenge.

Despite the windy weather which almost postponed the charity event, the swimmers battled through the elements and sensibly decided to start two hours earlier.

Organiser, Liz, said the sea became progressively rougher throughout the swim as the wind picked up. However, all 30 swimmers completed the 1.5km making a total of 45km.

The fundraising has now reached £8,000 including gift aid and now the swimmers are trying to raise £10,000 to buy two incubators. When the idea came to Liz, the aim was to raise £5,000 to buy one incubator.

Liz said: “It was initially something I wanted to do to raise money for SCBU and try something new, then lots of my friends volunteered to do it with me and it has turned into an event.

“We wanted to give something back to SCBU to say a great big thank you for the amazing work they do.

“Thanks to all our friends who volunteered to help with the support boats and support on the beach (the spectators got soaked to the skin).”

Liz approached Tricoean in Churchstow who kindly negotiated a good rate with Zone 3 to supply triathlon wetsuits for the swimmers plus free hats and googles.

Sir Geoffrey Newman kindly agreed to the swimmers using Blackpool Sands and the Venus Cafe provided complimentary refreshments for the swimmers.

“We’re grateful to local businesses who have sponsored us namely Ribeye Boats of Dartmouth and The Royal Castle Hotel” added Liz.

To show support to these brave swimmers and help them fundraise please visit https://tinyurl.com/y9m3ejx8.

Plans for a SCBU SWIM in 2019 are already in motion with Triocean and Waterborn SUP confirmed as sponsors for the event. To contact Liz about sponsoring next year’s event please email her via [email protected].