Swimming fundraiser cancelled due to yacht rescue

Swimmers were hoping to take to the River Humber for a fundraising swim but had to settle for cake and a quick dip due to a late emergency call

Twelve swimmers took to the River Humber on Sunday to raise money for Humber Rescue.

However, an original 1km (0.6 mile) fundraising swim was cancelled ten minutes before it was due to start.

Humber Rescue, which was supervising the event, was called out to respond to a stranded yacht with passengers on board.

The fundraiser has now been rescheduled for 2025, organisers say.

Swimmers were still in the spirit despite not being able to perform their original fundraising challenge on Sunday

Three rescue boats were due to accompany swimmers to ensure their safety throughout in one of the most challenging and unpredictable stretches of water.

The callout meant the 10th anniversary fundraiser was cancelled and, instead, the swimmers enjoyed a short dip.

Participants had raised £22,000 so far this year and just over £110,000 over the past 10 years for the charity.

Sarah Scholes, who was among those looking to take part in the original swim, said: "We still had cake and a splash in the Humber.

"Rescuing lives of others comes before looking after us. That's why we do it.

"We were disappointed in a way, but they did what they needed to do."

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