Over 60 swimmers have raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI by taking on the challenge of Sunday’s Caldey Swim.

The 2.5-mile crossing between the monastic island and Tenby had been postponed from its original date of a fortnight previously because of weather conditions.

But the elements co-operated at 11 am on Sunday as the swimmers left from Caldey’s Priory Beach, supported by a fleet of safety craft and kayaks.

First back on Tenby’s North Beach, just ahead of the rain, was Tenby’s own Hayden Johns, who completed the crossing in 54 minutes 30 seconds.

Hayden, aged 37, who will be tackling his second Ironman Wales next month, was delighted to be the first swimmer back on home ground.

“The sea conditions weren’t too bad at all - it was a bit choppy all the way round, but because it was consistent, I didn’t really notice it,” he said.

Around four minutes behind him was Surrey police sergeant Sarah Hempenstall, a member of the sporting White family of Saundersfoot.

Sarah, who will shortly be representing the UK in the European police pool swimming championships in Hanover, made a temporary return to her old club, Tenby Dolphins, last week for some last-minute training.

Back in third place was 51-year-old Jon David, of Neyland Pharmacy.

The event was organised by Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA), which will now be turning its attention to its next Tenby Boxing Day Swim.

TSSA committee member Val Coates Rees said: “We were lucky that there was a brief window of good weather, and that everyone had a challenging, but enjoyable swim.”

She added: “A big thank you to all the safety teams - the crews from Tenby Sailing Club who set the course and provided safety cover; the coastguard, the First Responders, the RNLI, Rob John from Pembrokeshire Paddlers and the kayakers, especially the man who turned up on Castle Beach with his kayak and offered to help!”

She also thanked the Caldey boat crews - Graham, Michael and Harpo - who ferried swimmers across to the island, and Tenby harbourmaster Matt Broadhurst for his assistance.

The Caldey Swim was sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven, Princes Gate Water, FBM Holidays, Tenby House Hotel and Four Seasons.

Medals were presented by Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member for infrastructure, Clr. Phil Baker, of Saundersfoot, and the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane.

Said the Mayor: “Congratulations to the organisers on another successful Caldey Swim, and of course, to everyone who took part.

“It wasn’t an easy task having to postpone the event and then rearrange it, but it’s all gone off well and it was great to be able to present the first medal to Hayden, who is not only a Tenby boy, but a former town councillor.”

Clr. Baker added his congratulations to all the 64 swimmers.

“This is another great event for south Pembrokeshire,” he said.

Pics. Gareth Davies Photography