SAUNDERSFOOT’S record-breaking 2018 New Year’s Day Swim has enabled more than £43,700 to be shared amongst more than 50 good causes.

The money was raised thanks to the magnificent support of over 2,000 brave bathers and the event’s thousands of spectators and commercial sponsors, whose generosity ensured that every penny raised was donated to charity.

This year’s fundraising takes the total raised in the swim’s 34-year history to more than £600,000.

At the event’s presentation evening at the St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot on Thursday, 53 charities and worthy causes received their share from the grand total of £43,736.

The largest cheque, for £2,800, was presented to Wales Air Ambulance, while receiving over £1,000 were the Tenby and Saundersfoot First Responders, HOPE, Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research, Diabetes Cymru, Paul Sartori, Kilgetty Cricket Club juniors, Saundersfoot Footlights, Breast Cancer Care and Ovarian Cancer.

The winner of the Betty Duncan Cup for the highest-sponsored swimmer was Sarah Hitchen, who raised a staggering £1,485 for Wales Air Ambulance.

Four other swimmers also raised more than £1,000 each. Brian Twose won a flight over the Gower with former Wales rugby international, Ian Gough. The prize was arranged by Stephen Cole.

Stepaside Coachworks won the prize for the best group fancy dress, while Sarah Cole won the best individual fancy dress.

Helping to present were main guests - Nicky Hurst of main sponsor, Powell’s Cottage Holidays; county councillor Phil Baker and Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism chairman, Phil Odley Jr.

Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim chairman Martyn Williams thanked the St Brides Spa Hotel for their hospitality and continued support as well as praising everybody involved in making the swim a success, particularly the emergency services, safety personnel, stewards, bucket collectors and sponsors.