Runners took on the tide and swam the distance for local homeless cause

In the first of its kind as a fundraising event in aid of Turning Tides, local running enthusiasts made waves when they put their physical fitness – and courage - to the test in the water!

The ten brave runners turned to swimming and completed their ambitious plan to swim a staggering ten miles in a three pier challenge between iconic piers -Brighton to Worthing on Saturday 19th September. 

They also smashed their fundraising target which currently stands at £3600. The monies raised will benefit the increasing number of homeless people supported by Turning Tides.

Swim members originated from local groups and came together from Tuff Fitty, Worfolk, RoadRunners and Bluetits. Most were taking to the sea for the very first time and had not attempted a challenge like this before. All were urged on by a fantastic support crew from Sussex Yacht Club who not only provided six support boats, crew and medical/paramedic support but also gave up their superb refurbished facilities for planning meetings and training.

From within the local community these inspirational people gave up their time and were committed to complete this challenge in aid of local homeless charity Turning Tides who are seeing a steep rise in need for their services.

Dominic Mason, Team Captain started out on this swim venture just a few months ago. Since the pandemic his running group had been pitting themselves against the elements to maintain their fitness throughout lockdowns. To stretch themselves further they decided on a taking on this sea challenge.

He comments: “It was no mean feat to undertake this with just two months planning and training. We all had varying degrees of fitness and ability - but we did it and we are all so proud. The team’s enthusiasm and commitment was amazing and our focus to raise funds to support Turning Tides kept our heads afloat! What really pleased me was every one of the volunteers who signed up at the start stuck with it and took part on the day.”

They left Brighton Shores at 8am and were ahead of their time target as they approached Worthing Pier completing the challenge ahead of time.

“We could not have done this without the commitment from our swimmers, family and supporters. But also the incredible help given by the team at Sussex Yacht Club who were keen to jump on board in aid of charity and to ensure the swimmers safety.

PPE Solutions Global stepped forward to offer professional medical cover ‘free of charge’ working alongside LoneMed. Also filming expertise was given freely by Enrique who provided us with lots of live action footage giving us so many lasting memories along with superb photos from Sussex Yacht club” adds Dom.

Turning Tides’ Community Fundraising Officer, Moira Gardner, explains the close connection between the runners and local homeless charity: “One of the runners turned swimmers, Mark Bailey, has been volunteering for Turning Tides for several years and is really passionate about the work the charity carry out across West Sussex to support those who have nowhere to live.

We appreciate, so much, the inspiration and commitment from these brave swimmers, and the generosity from our local community. The funds raised will provide vital support for people who have lost everything. The swimming team have even bigger ideas for next year so watch this space!’

Mark Bailey concludes: “I have supported the charity for a number of years and I am in awe of the work they do. Whilst  this challenge was fun and tough in equal measure, to know that we have raised money to support anyone that finds themselves homeless gives it real meaning. We are physically fit, but had never swam any long lengths at all – so this was a real massive physical challenge – I was a little scared because I know how far it is to run, let alone swim that distance. However, anyone going through homelessness faces far bigger fears. Turning Tides makes sure that no one goes through that alone. Raising money to ensure that no one has to face those fears alone makes me even more determined to take on a greater challenge next year!”

You can still rally and support the Rampion Champions  by donating to their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/threepierchallenge