Over 300 hardy open water swimmers took the plunge into the 6.5 degrees centigrade waters of Dock 9, Salford Quays to celebrate the start of the year and have proudly announced they raised over £16,000 for Reuben’s Charity Retreat.
Dave Quartermain, Director of Uswim said: “Throughout the year our open water swims and events in Dock 9 attract many thousands of swimmers so our annual ‘New Year’s Day Swim,’ is a great way of giving something back and offers a challenging, fun way to start the year. All our brilliant staff gave their time up for free because it was for such a great cause.”
A spokesperson from Reuben’s Retreat added: “The funds will be used to continue our support services for families with complexly poorly children and families of child loss. We have nine monthly support groups as well as one to one counselling, holistic therapies, memory making and in memorial events. We also organise UK respite breaks, allowing families of loss to remember and rebuild as well as for those caring for very poorly children to relax and recharge. We are currently working with 566 individuals so the funds will make a very big difference to families navigating tough times. We thank the Uswimmers from the bottom of our hearts!”
The event was sponsored by Speedo.