On the 19th of September I took a trip back to my childhood for my 9th swim and visited Barry Island, recently made famous by Gavin and Stacey. I was joined by several members of my family some of whom were even brave enough to join me for the swim.
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- What’s occuring?
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- left to right Nichola, Ryan, me, Thomas, mum, dad, uncle Clyde, Auntie Jackie and Gabrielle
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- All the brave swimmers before
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- number 9
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- Here we go
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- The others watch on as I dive in
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- After chickening out when they felt the cold, Ryan and Thomas pluck up some courage!
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- That was pretty cold but we did it
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- Cousins making sandcastles
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- Cheese
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- This fair is great fun!
My mum Jackie, dad Tony, nephew Thomas and son Ryan all took the plunge. I was also supported by my wife Nichola, sister Emma, uncle Clyde, Auntie Jackie, cousin (and god-daughter) Gabrielle and her boyfriend Richard. My mum Jackie said afterwards “I’m very proud of Russell and felt I should show my support by joining in for one of his swims. I can’t imagine how cold the water will be when he swims in December, it was freezing today!”
It was a pretty hot day for September, although it did rain while we were in the sea. Once we came out and dried out the sun came out and we stayed on the beach for several hours. It reminded me of childhood as we played beach bowls, football and Ryan had great fun making sand castles with Thomas.
At the end of the afternoon the relatives went home as we stayed so Ryan could have a few goes on the fair. Then we left Barry and had a nice meal in the Beefeater on the way out before driving home after a lovely day.
I was keen to visit Wales during the challenge as I am quite patriotic and it meant that I would get a lot of support. I have fond memories of Barry Island from my childhood. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and it was great to see my two and a half year old son Ryan have as much fun as I used to. I hope that lots of the people I know who live in Wales will sponsor me now. All of the money I raise will be used for a great cause. I have personally seen the huge difference that Magpie Dance can make to people’s lives. You can sponsor me online at www.justgiving.com/RCartwright
Although I currently live in Dartford in Kent I was born in Newport and lived in Caldicot until I was 23. I have several childhood memories of great days out on the beach, at the fair and at Butlins in Barry.
So far I’ve raised over £2,200 for Magpie Dance, an inclusive dance company for people with learning disabilities. My target is to raise £2,540 which will fund two members of Magpie’s Youth Group for a year. Magpie Dance receives no core funding so each year has to raise £250,000 annually to keep going. In 2010 this is proving to be harder than ever.
Thanks to everyone for their support during this swim and to Nichola who has been to every swim so far and taken the photos.
