West Wight Community Swim Raises Over £3,000 For Sports And Community Centre

A community swimming event in West Wight has raised more than £3,000 for the West Wight Sports and Community Centre.

The inaugural “West Wight Waves” event saw 35 swimmers of all ages take part at the end of March, collectively swimming around 90,000 metres — roughly 60 miles — in support of the charity-run facility.

Participants ranged in age from four to 76, with standout efforts throughout the day.

West Wight Swimming Club head coach Lottie James completed an impressive 15,000 metres in under four hours, helping lead the fundraising effort in the pool.

Younger swimmers also made a strong impact, including four-year-old Elora Briscoe, who completed two lengths, and eight-year-old Amelie Chick, who swam 2,500 metres.

Another inspiring performance came from Lenny Hassan-Green, who completed 1,000 metres just 15 months after undergoing heart surgery.

A group of under-15 swimmers also combined to swim 25,000 metres between them, while Sports Centre trustee Ann Freeman raised more than £1,000 individually.

Organisers say the event created a strong community atmosphere, with residents and volunteers turning out to support swimmers throughout the day.

Centre manager Clare Griffin said the success of the event highlights the importance of community support, adding that the centre relies on fundraising to continue providing sport and leisure facilities for the West Wight.

Organisers say they hope the event will now become a regular fixture.