The annual Padstow to Rock Swim in aid of Marie Curie has reached an impressive fundraising target of £1-million raised for the charity.   

On Friday, over 300 swimmers took to the water to undertake the one-mile open water swim, raising funds for Marie Curie, the UKs leading end of life charity. The first Padstow to Rock Swim in aid of Marie Curie was held in 2011.

With a break in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year was the 13th swim raising funds for the charity, which has now raised over one million pounds for Marie Curie.  

Peter Tamblin, the Padstow to Rock Swim Coordinator and Swim Committee Chairman, said: “For once, the weather Gods seemed to be on our side. At the Harbour Rib, accompanied by a flotilla of rescue boards and canoeist, led the first wave of 88 Elite Swimmers out and headed for Rock.

“The Elites are expected to make it across in 30 minute or less, and in fact the first Swimmer to land at Rock made it in just 17 minutes. Later, some 250 Non Elites, who had viewed the progress of the Elites, set out. Although not a quick as the Elite swimmers, their sheer number in the water made a spectacular start. 

“All the Swimmers made it across, though some needed a little help on the way, and all arrived at Rock with a feeling of great satisfaction, and were given a tumultuous welcome by family and friends, who, though not allowed near the finish line, were able to view from the Dinghy park and other vantage points.

“At Rock, the Swimmers received their Iconic Swim Tee shirt, a Barny’s pasty, and water. The atmosphere at Rock was really party like, and the delight on the Swimmers faces was a joy to see. The last Swimmer home was given an amazing welcome as he had obviously given his all, and his grin of pure delight and satisfaction was inspirational and clearly demonstrated the satisfaction of succeeding in a challenge, and the overall ethos of the Padstow to Rock Swim. 

“Once all of the Swimmers were safely ashore it was time to present the trophies. This year the Corporate Trophy was between Sharps Brewery, Paul Ainsworth and Jo Downs Glass, with the Jo Downs team proving the stronger on the day. The Hawkins Trophy, awarded for exceptional effort from anywhere within the swim spectrum, was awarded to Wen and Chris Hull, who over at least 10 years, have travelled down from Kent to take charge of the bag handling. 

“I would like to give my personal thanks to my amazing Swim Committee, and to all of the additional volunteers who have all stepped up to the mark. And of course to our so supportive sponsors. A special thanks must go to the RNLI at Rock, and the Padstow Harbour Authority, without whose help the swim would not have been possible. 

Peter adds: “But now for the big announcement, the one that we’ve been waiting for, we’ve made one million pounds for Marie Curie, in fact it is likely to be a few thousand more, but we haven’t finished the accounting quite yet. To all of you truly amazing swimmers, Thank you, thank you, thank you and see you in 2025.”  

Marie Curie provides care and support to people at the end of life and their families. Last year Marie Curie provided care to more than 44,000 people across the UK in its hospices, as well as through nursing visits to people’s own homes day and night. 

Over the next five years Marie Curie aims to double the number of people across the UK being cared for and supported in homes, its hospices and through its free information and support services.   

Across Cornwall a large team of Marie Curie Nurses provide end of life care to dying people in their own homes and supports their families. 

To find out more about fundraising for Marie Curie, including details of the next Padstow to Rock Swim, please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved