Sharp’s Brewery will once again be supporting the annual Padstow to Rock Swim on Sunday (July 14, during the afternoon tide.

Sharp’s has sponsored the event for a number years, and this year six of its team members are also participating in the gruelling challenge to raise money for Marie Curie, a charity that cares for people living with a terminal illness, and their families.

Last year’s event raised more than £80,000 in support of Marie Curie nurses in Cornwall with its epic one-mile open water swim across the Camel Estuary. Sharp’s event co-ordinator, Ali Burgess, who has endured her own battle with a serious illness, was also delighted to receive the Endeavour Award for her services and fantastic commitment to the swim.

One of the Sharp’s Brewery team members making a splash this year is Philip Whitehead, UK and Ireland managing director of Molson Coors Europe. Philip will be joined by Sharp’s head brewer, Aaron McClure, brewing team members, Gareth Smith and Robert Brett, quality and food safety manager, Barry Mills, and events team member, Lewis Allen.

Event has grown massively since the 1970s

The swim started in the early 1970s when Sarah Hawkins persuaded friends and family to swim across the Camel Estuary to raise money for charity. Since then, the event has grown massively, and is today run by a local committee with the help of the main four sponsors: Sharp’s Brewery, The Seafood Restaurant, Rock Rail, and Mariners Lettings.

Sharp’s Brewery is donating the t-shirts that the swimmers will receive once they complete the challenge, and participants and spectators will have the opportunity to grab a beer from the Sharp’s bar on the slipway, with money from each pint sold going directly to Marie Curie. On sale will be Doom Bar, Atlantic Pale Ale, and, new for 2019’s event, Offshore.

Lynda Thomas, community fundraiser for Marie Curie, said: “Marie Curie is very grateful for the support from the community to raise vital funds in support of nurses all around the county. We must also give thanks to the swimmers who, year after year, come back to complete this amazing challenge, and of course to our incredible sponsors, Sharp’s Brewery, Rock Rail, The Seafood Restaurant and Mariners Lettings.”

Sharp’s Brewery’s marketing controller, James Nicholls, added: “The Padstow to Rock swim is such an integral part of the local community calendar here in North Cornwall, and we are once again honoured to provide support, alongside the other valuable sponsors.

“The volunteer and support team, together with the Marie Curie team, provide the time and expertise needed to make this happen each year, and it is always a fantastic event. We are, of course, especially proud of Ali, who has gone above and beyond to support the swim over the years on behalf of Sharp’s. Well done to Ali and the entire Sharp’s swim team, and generally everyone involved.”