Splashing out for Christmas in Weymouth harbour (From Thisisdorset)

Splashing out for Christmas in Weymouth harbour

2:00pm Monday 28th December 2009 in

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THOUSANDS turned out to watch a record entry take the plunge in the Weymouth harbour swim on Christmas Day.

A total of 239 swimmers took part in the popular charity event on a bright but chilly morning.

They ranged from eight-year-old Connor Merson, who was swimming to raise funds for a sick friend, to several pensioners.

Little Connor from Portland was raising funds for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent in support of his best friend Rory Kirkland.

Rory is recovering in Dorchester County Hospital after his second bout of chemotherapy as he battles leukaemia.

Also taking part was Jasmine Hallet, from Dorchester, who has also battled cancer herself. Jasmine, 10, was also raising cash for CLIC Sargent.

The traditional event is organised by the Lions Club of Weymouth.

Organiser Mark Lockie said: “It was a beautiful day and we would like to thank everyone who took part and everyone who turned out to support them.

“The swimmers have raised a total of £11,546 for charity and here may be more to come.

“They were raising money for a host of charities including Help for Heroes, CLIC Sargent and other cancer organisations.

“The entry fees raised £1,000 and a bucket collection on the day raised another £1,276. All that cash will go to charities supported by the Lions Club.”

Mr Lockie also thanked he crew of MV Freedom and Wyke Motor Boats for helping to ferry people across he harbour and Weymouth Canoe LIfeguards for providing safety cover on the day.

The men’s event was won by Jonathan Mason while Kelly Ireland took the women’s event by storm. Liam Rock was the first boy home and Maria Lochrie was top girl. The masters race was won by Nick Ireland.

Weymouth's cross-harbour swim had its origins in a 1948 bet between former Duke of Cornwall pub landlord Reggie Butler, his successor RS Laker and Jim Stephens.

The popular event has been run by the Lions Club since 1978.