While many were nursing their hangovers or partaking in a final country walk of the season on new year’s day, a community in north Wales were dusting off their spacehoppers. In Gwynedd and Anglesey scores of people hop down to their local beach for fundraising swims in aid of the RNLI, and this year the crowd which gathered at Trearddur Bay broke records.
The unusual event, which is quickly becoming a cherished tradition in the name of fundraising, attracted hundreds of participants and spectators again. Children and the young at heart bounced along the sand in a hilarious display.
As they lined up ready to bounce it quickly became clear, as ever, that most of the racers hadn’t bothered training. Some were more adept than others while many were more interested in bouncing into their fellow racers than rushing to the finish.
The atmosphere was described by racers as “electric” as locals and visitors bounced their way across the sands. Pauline Hardman, one of the organisers and a volunteer for the RNLI at Trearddur, said she was “delighted” at the event’s continued success.
“We’re absolutely delighted by the support we’ve seen today,” she said. “It’s heartwarming to witness the community coming together to have fun while supporting such an important cause. The funds raised will go directly towards maintaining our lifeboats and crew training, ensuring we’re always ready to respond when needed.”
It was another brilliantly colourful event, despite the weather
(Image: RNLI)
The unusual event is quickly becoming a cherished tradition
(Image: RNLI)
The atmosphere was described by racers as “electric” as locals and visitors
(Image: RNLI)
“This is what community spirit is all about,” Heron Maj, who lives on the island and helped to create the event, said. “The laughter, the joy, and knowing that every bounce helps our lifeboat station stay operational is incredible. Despite the shaky start due to the weather, it turned out to be a perfect day.”