A LOCAL lobster fisherman is celebrating 50 years of supporting a popular fundraising swim this year.

Peter Ward has supported the Padstow to Rock Swim since it began in the 1970s – taking part in the very first event which saw a small local group of swimmers, escorted across the estuary by fishermen, including Peter, who was 16 at the time.

The Padstow to Rock Swim has been running continuously, except for 2020, since the 1970s.

It was started by local enthusiast Sarah Hawkins who decided to raise money for charity by persuading friends and family to swim across the Camel estuary from the harbour wall in Padstow. Popularity for the event grew rapidly with numbers rising year on year. Sarah managed the event until 2006.

With Health and Safety regulations having an increasing impact on the organisation of the swim, a small group of local people then took on the challenge. The present swim committee now shares the task of administration of the swim to meet all Health and Safety obligations. The swim was relaunched, with Sarah’s blessing, in 2007, with Marie Curie as the partner charity since 2011.‍

The swim today has grown in size and charitable support, with Peter acting as chairman for the swim committee – locals who give their time to support the event. Around 350 people now take part annually and it raises around £100,000 each year. For Marie Curie alone it has raised over £1,000 000 since 2011.

Peter said: “We used to swim across to Rock as kids for something to do, and it wasn't part of the swim, it was just because we could, when we were about 15, 16. We used to swim over, have a rowing boat and row back.

“The first time I got involved with the swim properly, it used to go from Rock to Padstow, and there was only maybe ten or a dozen people doing the swim and there'd be three or four fishing boats and we would all go over and we'd all be allocated like two or three swimmers each, and we would be responsible for those people.

“And the finish line was in the inner harbour in Padstow, because there was no locked gate or nothing, it was all open. Gradually it started growing bit by bit, it had small beginnings, there was a lady called Alicia Cunyup and her sister, Brenda Picton who used to arrange most of it, and initially it was for Macmillan.

“I became involved when I got my own fishing boat when I was 19. I used to always go over and be in charge of several swimmers. When it became bigger, we moved to the start point we are at now, because the Harbour was concerned about so many in the water close to the ferry.”

Peter says he has some stories to tell from across the 50 years – including a time a pod of dolphins almost became involved in the swim.

“There was a load of dolphins coming up the river, straight towards the swimmers,” he said.

“All you wanted is for someone silly to shout shark and then there would be panic. While it probably would have been quite lovely for some to swim with the dolphins, we had to go down with the RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) quickly and bang on the side of the RIB to break their attention. We managed to turn them around.”

Peter said the committee takes the organisation of the event and the safety very seriously.

“It doesn't work around any one person, we all work together and we all need to work together.

“It's crazy to build up and up and up, to start with there was hardly anyone doing it, but now it's unbelievable, you get people coming from all over the country doing it, coming back every year, it’s quite a big thing.

“It's what I still enjoy and I still get a buzz out of it is seeing them all start. All those people have all come together to do that swim, all sorts of people, and it's a lovely atmosphere. It always amazes me how much money the swimmers raise.”

As a participant in the Padstow to Rock Charity Swim, Heidi Jones said: “I have experienced first-hand the extraordinary dedication and care that Peter Ward brings to this event. While the swim itself is undoubtedly physically demanding, what stands out most is the confidence and reassurance provided by Mr Ward’s presence and leadership.”

“What is especially striking is his inclusivity. Mr Ward creates an environment where swimmers of all abilities—from young participants to older or less experienced individuals— do feel equally valued. He recognises that for many, completing the swim is a deeply personal achievement, often undertaken in support of loved ones or in memory of those cared for by Marie Curie. His encouragement and respect for each individual’s effort are evident throughout.”

“Despite the scale of the event, Mr Ward is approachable and unassuming. He is attentive and comes across as fully committed to ensuring that every swimmer has a positive and safe experience. It was clear to me that the success of the swim is not simply about fundraising totals, but about people—bringing them together, supporting them and enabling them to achieve something meaningful. ”

Marie Curie community fundraiser, Riona Houghton, said: “Peter’s local knowledge and experience are a vital part of the swim, which can only be held once a year due to tide times. His expertise helps to make everything go smoothly and give all the swimmers an amazing challenge and opportunity. Everything he does is on a voluntary basis.

“We are so grateful for his support, not only to Marie Curie but the many swimmers he encourages. This year the swim is on Sunday, July 12 whilst we are full for the non-elite swimmers, we do have a few spots available for elites, who must complete the swim in 30 minutes and under. Competent swimmers can contact me on 07876 748717 if they are interested. ”