A sea challenge in memory of a Pembrokeshire man who loved taking part in Tenby Boxing Day Swim’s crazy raft race is being launched at this year’s event.
Dai Rees from Saundersfoot famously named his winning raft Daitanic, and his friends are recalling this triumph by naming the race in tribute.
Dai, aged 30, tragically died in March whilst free diving in The Maldives, where he was working with an aid charity he set up with some paramedic colleagues.
Now named the Dai Rees Foundation, the charity arranges for dated British medical equipment to be shipped to the locals in the Maldives and particularly Nepal, who struggle to access basic pre-hospital healthcare in an emergency situation. The charity then teaches the locals how to use the equipment, and it hopes to expand into other third-world countries in the future.
Friends of the fun-loving and adventurous Dai are hoping to boost the charity’s profile and funds for its Life Support Nepal initiatve through The Daitanic Cup raft race at the Boxing Day Swim.
Said race organiser Thomas Lavis: “If we can help take Dai's vision closer to its target through a bit of fun we have on Boxing Day, then we can celebrate a triumph.”
Each raft entered must be made of only two barrels and some rope. Oars are allowed and the two people on board must wear lifejackets. Crews are being encouraged to collect sponsorship for the Dai Rees Foundation/Life Support Nepal.
No registration is needed - just turn up on Tenby's North Beach on Boxing Day in time for the race's 11am start.
The race looks set to be a great curtain-raiser to the 11.30pm swim, which is organised by Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA). Said chairman, Chris Osborne: “We’re looking forward to the return of the raft race, albeit in a slim-line version.
“It will be a fitting memorial to Dai Rees and an opportunity to reinvigorate another zany part of this quirky event.”
The fancy dress theme for this year’s swim is Pirates and Princesses and sponsor forms can be downloaded from www.tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk For more information and to make donations toThe Dai Rees Foundation/Life Support Nepal see www.gofundme.com/dairees
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