Falmouth Castle to Castle Swim raises thousands (From Falmouth Packet)

Falmouth Castle to Castle Swim raises thousands

12:42pm Monday 7th June 2010 in Falmouth/Penryn By James Toseland

Organisers of the Castle to Castle Swim are celebrating a fantastic triumph after over 200 swimmers took to the water on Sunday and helped raise thousands of pounds for the RNLI.

Dressed in their wetsuits and swimming hats, 217 people swam the mile from Pendennis Point to St Mawes Castle, compared to the 38 that took part in the first ever event last year.

Eastender Steve McFadden was among the people taking part, while former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies started the race and handed out medals.

RNLI fundraising manager Dave Nicoll said that early indications showed that £10,000 was raised, but the figure was still rising.

“A fantastic number of people took part and I think it will be even bigger next year. Last year was the first time and a test to see if it was feasible but it is obviously getting more and more popular.”