Last weekend witnessed the inaugural FootStep Run on Friday, followed by the second TenFoot Swim on Saturday.

Over 500 runners and walkers took part in the run and competitors ranged from the very young to a few septuagenarians.

There was a fantastic village atmosphere and large crowds supported those taking part. Along the way there was music supplied by two local groups, Footbridge and Westbound.

All participants received a medal, sponsored by Broughton Leisure, from former Wales rugby international, Ian Gough. Ian also took part in the Tenfoot Swim and has agreed to open the 2019 New Year’s Day Swim. A feature of the run was the participation of so many businesses in Saundersfoot, with almost all in fancy dress. One prominent business even held their own ‘Prosecco Party’ after the event. There was a buzz in the village because Saundersfoot was doing what it does best, enjoying itself.

Events moved to Tenby on Saturday morning with the Mayor of Tenby, Cllr. Sue Lane, waving off the 300 swimmers. An armada of sea craft accompanied the swimmers and all arrived safely at Saundersfoot. There was a feel good factor in the village, with so many swimmers, bedecked in their finisher’s t-shirt, gracing the cafes and pubs.

The day ended with a great musical evening at the Regency Hall with 3 wonderful local groups, Footbridge from Wiseman’s Bridge; Westbound, from Saundersfoot/Cresselly and The Collective from Tenby. What a musical talent we have in the area and all 3 groups contributed to a wonderful evening.

All the activities are not just social events but have a worthwhile cause, raising money for charity. In 2018 the recipient charities are Paul Sartori, the Dai Rees Foundation and Air Ambulance Wales.

You cannot contemplate such events without the support and generosity of so many people. Organiser, Chris Williams BEM, wishes to thank every single person and organisation that supported the FootStep Run, the TenFoot Swim and the musical evening.

He gave sincere thanks to the RNLI, Tenby Lifesaving Club and to Kevin Cheeseman for supervising safety on the water; to Paul Cleevely for safety on land; to Tenby Sailing Club, especially Ted Lewis, to Saundersfoot Sailing Club, particularly Mick Lightwood, for arranging the shower facilities.

He thanked the Mayor of Tenby, Cllr. Sue Lane, and the Chairman of Saundersfoot Community Council, Martyn Williams BEM, for presenting the Swim medals, sponsored by Big Brums; to lan Gough for presenting medals to the walkers and runners, to the numerous individual stewards and to Valero, the Dai Rees Foundation and Paul Sartori for supplying teams of stewards; to Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club for providing car park facilities on Friday evening; to Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners, particularly David Richards and Bradley Davies for their outstanding cooperation throughout; to David Lewis of Hean Castle Estate, for allowing the run to go through his land; to Mike and Ross at the Harbwr for providing swimmers with Cawl; to Caroline at Tesco for the many bottles of water for the competitors; to Dilys for arranging an army of photographers; to Dr Ann Allison and her wonderful medical team of doctors and Cariad paramedics; to Kevin Lloyd for his professional commentary, proving he is not a ‘one-event’ DJ; to Rhodri and Anthony for creating a great atmosphere with their music; to Pembrokeshire County Council and to Cllr. Phil Baker in particular, for arranging the closure of the Strand; to the armada of boats, kayaks and paddle boards, especially Rob John of Pembroke Paddlers; to Simon Beard for creating and maintaining our website and to all the committee members for their months of preparation.

Finally, thanks to all those who provided raffle prizes and sponsorship. The event would not be possible without their support, particularly that of our Main Sponsor, FBM Holidays. Thanks to FBM estate agents, Safe Electrical , Pembrokeshire Tyres Tenby, Equinox, Saundersfoot Spar, 1 Formula fitness, Big Brums, Tenby Taxis, Mike Wealleans UPVC specialist, Hanger 5, Saundersfoot Bay Caravan Park, Scaffold 2000 Ltd, New Broad St Motors, Barry, Andrew Price, John Rothery, JOP, Broughton Leisure, Tower Gate Insurance, TRJ, Proseal, W D Lewis-Aberdare Ltd, Harbwr Bar & Kitchen, Little & Large Lite Bites, Silver Lily, Boston House, Listers, Stephen Cole Investments, Sursum, Harbour Lights guest house, Mavericks of Tenby, Pro Waste, Pembrokeshire Wealth Management, Martin Woodhall, Saundersfoot Spar, Boat House, The Lounge (Saundersfoot & Tenby), Hope & Anchor Inn, Tenby, Equinox, Dilys Photography gallery, Sign Box, Heritage Park, Hean Castle Estate , Dragon Event Catering, Ashmole & Co, James E Smith, Timber, Tesco (Saundersfoot & Pembroke Dock), Folly Farm and Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

Pics. Gareth Davies Photography