Weymouth & Portland Lions Club Christmas Day swim across the harbour was the best ever in all respects with 278 swimmers raising a record £11,411 for a range of national and local charities and good causes. Most notably SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) by raising £2,200, Mind £959, Southampton Paediatric ICU £565, RNLI £860, Cancer Research UK £ 508, and, Water Aid £490. Some 27 swimmers came from places outside of Dorset from as far afield as Edinburgh, Truro, London and Liverpool to name but a few.

We understand that many of those raising funds have yet more to collect and the final figure could be much higher than the £11,411 indicated on the sponsor forms.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A LIST OF BENEFICIERIES AND AMOUNTS RAISED

The swim was started by the Mayor, Councillor Kate Wheller, assisted by Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee currently appearing at the Pavilion in Alladin.

From a Lions point of view we are delighted that so many people turn out on Christmas morning to not only take part but come to watch what has become a very big event, not only for Lions but for Weymouth. Everyone was in a very pleasant mood and the atmosphere was wonderful. We in Lions enjoy doing this because it is what we do ‘Serving the Community’.