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Home / Annual Swim for Hope raises a record-breaking £31,000 for Wessex Cancer Support

A record-breaking £31,000 has already been raised from this year’s Swim for Hope, which saw 28 swimmers cross the Solent for Wessex Cancer Support on Saturday morning. 

Since its inception, in 2021, the iconic swim, between Hurst Point and Colwell Bay, has raised nearly £140,000 for the charity, which supports local people living with a cancer diagnosis.  

The swimmers, supported by a team of dedicated kayakers, safety boats and land-based volunteers, took to the water just as the sun was rising at 4.45am on Saturday, completing the challenge just over an hour later.  

For the second year running, Renodrain proudly sponsored the event, with company representative Jamie Webster not only attending to hand out medals but also paddling alongside swimmers as part of the kayak support team.

“Swim for Hope is always an incredible event – and this year was no exception. The charity has seen its most successful year to date as the event continues to grow in scale and impact. The atmosphere is unlike any other, full of nerves, excitement and an overwhelming sense of community. To see so many people come together all for one purpose and watch as the swimmers succeed with such determination was truly inspiring. We’re so grateful to everyone who made the event possible and to everyone who’s donated so far.” 

Laura Haytack, Regional Fundraising Manager at Wessex Cancer Support

There is already a waiting list for the 2026 event and swimmers can pre-register their interest at: Swim for Hope 2026 Pre-Reg. 

The fundraising total is expected to rise in coming weeks. The money raised will help fund the vital emotional health and wellbeing services provided by Wessex Cancer Support to people affected by cancer in the local community. 

To find out more about the support the charity provides, see our Cancer Support Centres.

Notes to editors

Wessex Cancer Support provides free and local emotional support to anyone affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.  Clients may have cancer themselves, be adjusting to life after cancer, supporting someone with cancer, or be bereaved.  We are a charity which relies on donations to provide this support.   

Through its four cancer support centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Waterside (Hythe) and Newport (Isle of Wight), the charity offers a drop-in service, professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities, support groups and courses. We also provide services online so people can access support from the comfort of their own home.     

We run services in the heart of the community, including our popular Sing for Life choirs and MENtalk.

Visit www.wessexcancer.org.uk for more information.