LAST MONTH, a group of Ceredigion woman successfully swum across the English Channel, raising thousands for New Quay RNLI in the process.
Tîm Merched y Môr – a team of 6 women from Ceredigion between the ages of 40 and 68 – took on the English Channel on Saturday, 29 June and in the process have raised more than £7,000 for New Quay RNLI so far.
The team consisted of Ali O’Dochartaigh, Kate Lee, Dr Sian Newman, Sally Worsley, Jill Sutton and Louise Ensoll.
Reflecting on the epic challenge the women took on, Kate said: “Most of us had never even dreamed of swimming the channel. But we came together after our friend and swim companion Rachel Monrowe had challenged herself to swim the channel and needed five more people to make up the team. We all said yes immediately and thought about what we’d just got ourselves into afterwards!
“Unfortunately, around three months before the swim, Rachel had to drop out due to medical conditions and so 10 weeks before the swim date, Jill, 68 found herself being persuaded – by the help of cake – to join the team.”
On choosing the RNLI and New Quay Lifeboat Station as their charity, Kate added: “That bit was an easy choice, we are all sea swimmers and did most of our training in New Quay swimming from the lifeboat station over to Llanina point so wanted to support the local appeal to raise funds for the training and equipment for the new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat that arrived last year.
“It’s amazing how much money we have raised and want to thank everyone for the donations. It goes to show that with hard work, determination and the amazing support of family, you can do whatever you want.”
Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “Everyone at New Quay Lifeboat Station would like to congratulate Tîm Merched Y Môr for their remarkable challenge – what an amazing feat swimming the English Channel.
“We would like to send our thanks to the team and their support crew on raising a tremendous amount of money for our station and our lifeboats. We are deeply grateful for your support and the funds you have raised, which will fuel our continued service.
“The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, with our volunteers providing a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. However, without supporters and fundraisers like Merched y Môr our service would not exist. Thank you.”
