The presentation evening for the 2018 Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim was held at the St. Brides Spa Hotel on the evening of May 17. Saundersfoot Festivities thanked all swimmers, sponsors, commercial sponsors and helpers for contributing to the magnificent £43,736 raised by the swim. The money raised by the swimmers benefited 53 charitable and worthy causes. The generosity of the commercial sponsors ensured that every penny raised was donated to charity.

Among the recipients were a number of charities that received at least £1,000. They included the Tenby and Saundersfoot First Responders, HOPE, Macmillan, Cancer Research, Diabetes Cymru, Paul Sartori, Kilgetty Cricket Club Juniors, Saundersfoot Footlights, Breast Cancer Care and Ovarian Cancer. The highest cheque of £2,800 was presented to Wales Air Ambulance.

Main guests at the presentation were Nicky Hurst, of Powell’s Cottage Holidays (NYDS main sponsor), County Councillor Phil Baker and Phil Odley Jr, chairman of the Saundersfoot Chamber of Tourism. The guests helped to present the numerous certificates, awards and cheques.

Winner of the Betty Duncan Cup for the highest sponsored swimmer was Sarah Hitchen who raised a fantastic £1,485 for Wales Air Ambulance. Four other swimmers raised in excess of £1,000 each. Following the throw of a dice, Brian Twose won a flight over the Gower with former Wales rugby international, Ian Gough. The prize was kindly arranged by Stephen Cole.

Best group fancy dress winners were Stepaside Coachworks for their sensational shoal of jellyfish. Sarah Cole won the best individual fancy dress as Absolutely Fabulous.

During the presentation, Martyn Williams took time to thank everybody who was involved in making the 34th swim such a success, namely all the emergency services, safety personnel, stewards, bucket collectors and sponsors. This was the first time the event had attracted over 2000 swimmers.

Saundersfoot New Year’s Swim would like to thank St. Brides Spa Hotel for their hospitality and continued support.

In the 34 year history of this event, it has raised over £600,000

Plans are well under way for the 2019 NYDS.

For further information about the 2019 swim, please keep an eye out on the swim website www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk or follow Charlie Shivers on Facebook and Twitter.

2018 swim sponsors: Powells Cottage Holidays, 1 Formula Fitness, Broughton Leisure, Elston Construction, Folly Farm, Harbour Wealth Financial Services, Lewis, Lewis & Co Ltd, Mike Wealleans UPVC, Neil Finlay Cars, Pembrokeshire Tyres, Princes Gate Spring Water, Saundersfoot Pharmacy, Saundersfoot Pleasure Boats, Scaffold 2000, Sue’s Pantry, Sunnyvale Holiday Park, Sytner BMW, Taf Valley Coaches, Tees R Us, Tenby Glass and Tojaz, of Saundersfoot.