Three friends complete epic swim to Lundy Island for North Devon Hospice

On a wild stretch of the North Devon coast, three lifelong friends took on the swim of a lifetime.

Richard, Ross and Malcolm braved the 12-mile journey from Hartland Point to Lundy Island to raise funds for North Devon Hospice in memory of Richard’s mum and to support others cared for by this remarkable charity.

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Picture this: a cold, drizzly Sunday morning in October. Most people would stay inside with a cup of tea and a good book. But for this determined trio, October 12 was no ordinary Sunday. It was the day they would complete their long-planned 12-mile swim.

After months of preparation, they were finally given a small window of suitable weather. Early that morning, their families waved them off from Instow as a small boat took them around to Hartland Point, the starting line. From the clifftop, Ross’s daughter looked down and said: “They looked like ants.”

Above: The swimmers and their support boat.

At about 8.30am, the three men entered the water to begin their relay, each swimming for approximately one hour at a time.

“The hardest part was getting in,” said Richard.

“The shallows were gnarly and much rougher than the deeper water.”

Richard’s mum had been cared for by North Devon Hospice and he and his family were deeply grateful for the compassion and support they received. Wanting to say thank you, Richard came up with the idea and invited lifelong friends Ross and Malcolm to join him.

Together, they raised an astonishing £19,000, believed to be the most ever raised from a single community challenge in the hospice’s 41-year history.

Above: Presenting the total - Ross Smith, hospice nurse Sam Hood, Stephen Roberts and Richard Shannon. Credit: Shelby Lack

Becky Brennan, community fundraiser at North Devon Hospice, said: “It is the most I have ever seen one challenge bring in. We are so proud of what the team achieved and so grateful for every donation.”

Despite the distance and the October rain, morale stayed strong. Their guide boat had a small stove, which meant they could enjoy a warm cup of tea between swims.

“Watching Lundy get bigger and bigger kept us going,” said Richard.

Ross added that the digital screen showing how many miles remained was ‘surprisingly motivating’.

The sea, they all agreed, was unseasonably warm.

“We probably could have done it in swim shorts,” one of them joked. When they finally landed on Lundy, they were greeted by a beach full of seals, which they described as ‘Seal City’.

Above: The swimmers approach Lundy Island.

After a short walk up the hill, the trio celebrated their achievement at the Marisco Tavern, where they were welcomed by managing director Derek Green.

When asked if they would take on another challenge, Richard laughed.

“The next one will not involve water,” he promised. “Maybe something on land, like the Three Peaks.”

Reflecting on the experience, he added: “I did learn that Ross makes a better cup of tea than Malcolm.”

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The trio would like to thank everyone who donated and cheered them on. Richard gave special mention to supporters Colin Pine, Simon Pine, Ben Heus and Jason Avery.

North Devon Hospice said: “It is because of people like Richard, Ross and Malcolm, and the generosity of our community, that we can continue providing vital care and support for patients and families across North Devon.”