Open Castle Swim in Guernsey Raises £1,000 for Local Charities

228 hardy islanders tackled the annual Open Castle Swim on Sunday 29th August to raise money for Anthony McMahon and Jonah Gillingham.

The swimmers cross Guernsey’s Havelet Bay, coming out of the water at the famous Castle Cornet.

Each year a different beneficiary is chosen and this year the money has been divided between these two young men to assist with their medical treatment. Anthony, aged 10, requires another reconstructive leg operation and Jonah, aged 17, is battling a life-threatening blood disorder.

Louvre Group (Guernsey) Limited sponsored the Castle Swim for the first time this year along with the Guernsey Swimming Club’s Closed Bay Series.

This year’s event saw tricky conditions as visibility was poor and winds were strong. However, everyone involved was up for the challenge and spirits were high amongst participants.

‘Despite the adverse weather conditions, everyone enjoyed the afternoon,’ says Jo Norman from Guernsey Swimming Club. ‘We’d like to congratulate all of the swimmers who took part and we were delighted to attract such a large crowd of supporters!’

Volunteers from Louvre Group handed our hot chocolate to swimmers as they emerged from the water and everyone received a certificate to mark the occasion.

Congratulations to Mike Banfield, winner of The Bill Green Memorial Trophy for the oldest swimmer. Mr Banfield is 84 years old and won the trophy for the very first time.

Haidée Stephens, Managing Director of Louvre Trust (Guernsey Limited) took part in this year’s Open Castle Swim and enjoyed the challenge: ‘As much as we were hoping for calm conditions and sunny weather, we were all faced with rather choppy waters! However, the combination of knowing that we were supporting two very brave young men and a genuine love of swimming gave us plenty of encouragement.’