Wessex Cancer Trust Solent Swim raises wellbeing centre cash

The Swim for Hope set off from Hurst Point in Hampshire and took in 1.3 miles to Colwell Bay.

The event was part of the charity’s 40th birthday celebrations and was organised by Mike Sizer-Green, manager of the Trust's Isle of Wight Cancer Wellbeing Centre, in Newport.

• Swim for Hope to cross the Solent for Wessex Cancer Trust

Michelle Salsbury by Adam Pearson of APV Services.

Volunteer and fundraiser, Michelle Salsbury

Mike was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2013 and used Wessex Cancer Trust’s Daisy Bus to get to his appointments at Southampton General Hospital.  

He says he is immensely proud of all the swimmers: "Swimming the Solent is a huge challenge and I’ve been overwhelmed by the dedication and determination of every swimmer who put in hours and hours of training to ensure they would get across.

"It’s even more poignant because many of our swimmers have their own experience of cancer and know that stretch of water represents a major hurdle if you have to cross it for treatment on the mainland."  

Meanwhile, among the swimmers were brothers Lloyd, 27 and Ollie, 25, Woodhouse who completed it in 41 minutes, raising £1000.

Organisers thanked the Isle of Wight Canoe Club, Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, the Needles Pleasure Cruises, Associated British Ports, the safety kayakers and sponsor Hose Rhodes Dickson.