The 2018 Plymouth Breakwater Swim

The Chestnut Appeal Plymouth Breakwater Swim will take place on Sunday 5th August.

Now in its seventh year the swim attracts both local swimmers and swimmers from across the UK.  

The 4km challenge has become a must-do event and this year Plymouth Business owner Ben Mehigan has signed up to do the Swim and is hoping to raise lots of money for the charity.

Ben said: “Not having done anything like this before I wanted to take part in the Breakwater swim so I could challenge myself to swim across Plymouth Sound, which would be amazing to accomplish."

Over the years the swim has grown and grown and is now the charity’s main fundraiser of the year.

David Squires Events Manager at the Chestnut Appeal said: "We hope to have 300 swimmers this year.  300 swimmers raising thousands of pounds for the Chestnut Appeal and at the same time creating their own bit of history."

Ben from Plainfun on Mutley Plain added: “I am excited to try and reach my fundraising target and having personal experience I know how valuable and how important local fundraising.  The Chestnut Appeal are able to bring new services and technology to the area.”

Registration for the swim takes place on the Historic Barbican before swimmers are taken out by boat to the Breakwater. 

Once the safety team are in place the swim commences with the first swimmers back on shore around 40 minutes later.

It’s a tough challenge and it is asked that all those who take part have experience of open water swimming and should be able to complete the distance in a pool.

David Squires said: "This is going to be another great event for Plymouth and it is hoped that it will help raise lots of funds for the Chestnut Appeal as well as raising awareness of Men’s Health across the region."

Registration for the swim is £50 and you can register via the Chestnut Appeal website www.chestnutappeal.org.uk 

For more information please contact David on 01752 792736 or email chestnut.events@nhs.net