The annual West Wight Solent Swim took place on Saturday 25th July, with a record 75 swimmers successfully crossing the Solent from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay in support of West Wight Sports & Community Centre.
Held in near-perfect weather conditions, the event saw participants of all ages and abilities complete the iconic open water challenge, supported by an incredible team of 46 kayakers, six power boats and the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat. Swimmers set off from Hurst Castle at 7.15am.
Although the event is not a race, the first swimmer ashore was Lottie James, coach at West Wight Swimming Club. Fellow coaches Jack Pickford and Beth William also completed the crossing – all whom continue to inspire the next generation of swimmers both in and out of the pool. Close behind were father and son Charlie and Milo Bagot.
This year's event carried even greater significance after last year's swim was unable to go ahead despite three attempts due to unsuitable conditions. Many swimmers had rolled over their entries, making this successful crossing especially emotional and rewarding.
Among the most moving moments of the day were the arrival of brother and sister Paula and Chris Miles, who were overcome with emotion as they reached the shore together. They are grandchildren of Shirley Miles, one of the volunteers who helped build the swimming pool at West Wight Sports & Community Centre, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028.
Every participant has their own personal reason for accepting this extraordinary challenge, making this event about so much more than simply crossing the Solent and raising essential funds for the charity that runs the Centre.
For many, however, the achievement was about far more than finishing first. The swim celebrates determination, resilience and personal achievement, with participants overcoming anxiety, fear and personal challenges to complete the crossing.
Michael Bullock, the oldest participant was 76-year-old, who completed the swim alongside his brother Clive, who is also in his seventies. Michael is a regular at the Centre, attending weekly specialist care swimming sessions. A veteran of RAF service during the Falklands conflict, Gulf War and operations in Cambodia, Michael now lives with scoliosis, sustained during his service, as well as central neuropathy.
Following a prostate cancer diagnosis last year, he is no longer able to swim front crawl and completed the entire crossing on his back. Together, the brothers are expected to have raised well over £1,000 for the charity.
For Isabel Hunt, the swim began as a Christmas gift from her son Rhys, who has supported the event for many years as a kayaker. This year, Rhys joined the swimmers himself alongside his partner, Louisa Critchley, while Isabel completed the crossing with swim partner Charlotte Wells.
The Murphy family were also out in force, with sister Liz swimming while brothers Tom and Tony provided support as kayakers.
Clare Griffin, Event Director and Centre Manager at West Wight Sports & Community Centre, said:
"This year's swim was our biggest ever and what an incredible day it was. Huge thanks go to the many volunteers, safety teams, supporters and participants who worked so hard to make it happen.
"Our charity needs financial support now more than ever, and this event perfectly captures everything our Centre stands for. It gives people the opportunity to challenge themselves, overcome fears and adversity, while raising vital funds that enable us to continue providing services for our community. Congratulations to every swimmer who took part and thank you to everyone who made the day such a success."
West Wight Sports & Community Centre's swimming pool will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028. Trustees have already begun developing plans to upgrade and modernise the facility, ensuring it remains at the heart of the West Wight community for future generations.
Anyone interested in supporting the project or helping to raise funds for the redevelopment is encouraged to contact Centre Manager Clare Griffin at clare.griffin@westwight.org.uk.
Anyone wish and are able to make a donation to support any of our amazing Solent Swim participants, please donate here:
