On Saturday 21 September 2019, for the
second year running, the Coalie Crawlers
took part in a 7.5km open water swim from
Hayling Island Lifeboat Station down the
estuary into Emsworth slipway next to
Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club in aid of
The Fire Fighters charity.
It is the second year for this swim
and organised and coordinated by Peter
McIntyre, landlord of the
Coal Exchange, and Mike Reed, however,
the 13 swimmers could not have done this
challenge without the safety boats and
kayakers all of whom gave up their time
voluntarily.
On the day it was warm and sunny, however,
the strong wind made for challenging
conditions both for swimmers and kayakers
who had to navigate and battle through chop
and waves. The Coalie Crawlers were not to
be deterred though and dug deep to the end
where they were greeted by a huge crowd of
supporters, including Emsworth fire
fighters, local residents and visitors.
Peters’ wife, Dawn, presented each
swimmer with a well-deserved medal and the
fundraising continued throughout the
afternoon and evening at the Coal Exchange
with a BBQ, live music by local band Red Sky
and raffle.
Peter said: “Fire fighters and local people
swam for this local cause. There was a real
community involvement with everything; the
food was donated by Bookers, music by local
band Red Sky and prizes were donated by
local businesses”.
The whole event raised a whopping £2866.00 and a cheque was presented to Kerry James, regional fundraiser, on behalf of the Fire Fighters charity, on Friday 13th December 2019.
She stated:
“A huge thank you to everyone involved in
making the second year of the charity such a
success. The money raised will make such a
difference to those in the fire community
that need our help with mental, physical or
social being needs”.
This charity swim proved once again a big
success and the next
one will be early September 2020.
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