Four Swansea swimmers have raised over £9,000 for charity by swimming the English Channel.

The Langland Sharks swam the channel in an impressive 13 hours and 28 minutes in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation in memory of Hayley Hartson.

The ladies, Sue Croft, 56, Louise Snelgrove, 38, Shelley Griffin, 56, and Sian Lewis, 61, had been actively training for the epic swim since October.

Team captain Sue is no stranger to swimming the English Channel, she did a solo swim across the channel a few years ago.

Originally it was Sue and Shelley who signed up to swim the English Channel and asked fellow keen sea swimmers, Louise and Sian to join their relay team.

The Langland Sharks met up once or twice a week to swim either at Langland Bay, Mumbles and Swansea Bay in preparation for the huge challenge, which took place in June.

Louise, said: “During the time we were asked to join the team, my best friend and very close friend to Sian sadly and suddenly lost her sister Hayley.  Hayley was a much-loved mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend.  She was a character and life and soul of any party.  

“So, Sian and I did this challenge in memory of Hayley and are raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and British Heart Foundation.  The Wales Air Ambulance and a cardiac doctor fought so hard to save Hayley, her family wanted any funds raised to go to these two charities.” 

In December 2020, the Charity achieved its aim of operating a 24/7 service. Wales now has access to the service’s Emergency Department-standard critical care around the clock and to keep the helicopters in the air, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year.

The team raised an amazing £5,315 for the Wales Air Ambulance and £4,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Louise said: “We’re so pleased with what we raised.  We put £250 as a target and completely smashed it.  All our family, friends and people who knew Hayley have been so generous.”

Jane Griffiths, Wales Air Ambulance’s South Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “Congratulations to the ladies for raising an incredible amount for both charities. You should all be extremely proud of your achievement. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Langland Sharks and donated to their fundraiser. We are really grateful that the Wales Air Ambulance was chosen as one of their charities. Thank you for your support, you’re helping keep the helicopter in the air 24/7.”

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.