New Year's swim raises more than €2,000
2020 annual charity dip ends era
Organisers of the annual New Year’s Swim in Javea, Karen and Nigel Rushton are stepping down after over two decades of daring people to take a dip for charity.
The event has soared in popularity in recent years but the couple have raised thousands of euros for good causes - regulars of their bars forming the hardcore of sponsored swimmers.
This year the money will help support Luke Thomas, the 38-year-old local sportsman who suffered life-changing injuries last year after being hit by a car driven by an unlicensed and uninsured driver.
Karen and Nigel have given up their stewardship of the Lancashire Bruja cafe and bar and have decided the event that attracted over a 100 swimmers and scores of spectators this year needs more hands on control.
“It’s the last year we are organising the swim,” Karen told CBN. “Trying to organise the event from the outside is very hard work - so we have handed it over to Steve and Chrissie, the new managers.”
Over the years Karen has started the race into the sea and sounded the retreat after 10 minutes immersion. Nigel has always been one of the brave souls taking on the challenge. Sadly this year, flu meant he missed the swim.
The proceeds of the sponsored swim usually buy Three Kings gifts for children at a special school; this year it will help Luke and his family.
Karen said: “This is for Luke; he is a regular in our bar and regularly used to come and watch rugby and also did the swim each year it’s our opportunity to help him after the terrible accident.”
She added: “Nigel is really upset he cannot take part; we have been doing this for well over 20 years. It has been great fun and has really become part of New Year’s Day.
“Steve went in too today... I’ve told him he has to get into the sea and keep the tradition going.”