Porthcawl Museum
Museum volunteers explain how much of the collection is hidden from public view, the work involved in caring for it, and the moment in 2012 when the building faced closure after council cuts.
Fundraise for the swim
The biggest difference you can make is a JustGiving page. Every pound your friends, family and workmates sponsor you goes straight back out as grants to local charities and community groups.
£175,000+ raised for local causes since 1965
Have your say
We decide as a committee where each year's grants go — but we want your say too. Cast an informal vote for the cause you'd most like to see prioritised. It's not a ballot — just a steer for our thinking.
Voting's reserved for people who've registered for the swim — sign up to have your say. Here's how it's looking so far:
15 votes so far
Got a cause close to your heart?
Fundraising for the swim itself is our main ask — every penny goes back out to local causes. But if there's a charity that means a lot to you, pick it here. Your JustGiving page still joins the swim's event, counts towards what the swim raises, and puts you on our fundraisers list.
Bereavement support in Wales for families after the sudden loss of a child or young adult.
Raise for 2 Wish
Helping 15–35 year olds in Wales who are struggling financially through cancer treatment.
Raise for Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity
Emergency air cover for everyone in Wales, 24 hours a day, funded entirely by donations.
Raise for Wales Air Ambulance
World-leading research in Wales into earlier diagnosis and better treatment of cancer.
Raise for Cancer Research Wales
Help for people living with dementia today, and research for a better tomorrow.
Raise for Alzheimer's Society
Supporting families and changing the lives of people living with kidney disease.
Raise for Kidney Wales
Physical and emotional support for people with life-limiting conditions.
Raise for Sandville Self Help Foundation
Wales's leading charity in the fight against prostate disease.
Raise for Prostate Cymru
Emergency food for local individuals and families in crisis across Bridgend County.
Raise for Bridgend Foodbank
Local mental-health support across Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr.
Raise for Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind
Helping communities across Wales take practical action for a cleaner country.
Raise for Keep Wales Tidy
Essential items for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
Raise for Family FundAnother charity in mind? Choose any UK charity on JustGiving ›
Raising money this Christmas
Everyone with a JustGiving page on the swim — for the swim itself or a charity close to their heart. Give them a cheer, or a few quid!
Why we raise it
The swim has always been about the town looking after its own. Money raised from the swim goes straight back out to local charities and community organisations across Porthcawl and the surrounding area — more than £175,000 since 1965, with the volunteers who run it deciding each year where it will do the most good.
Museum volunteers explain how much of the collection is hidden from public view, the work involved in caring for it, and the moment in 2012 when the building faced closure after council cuts.
Founded by Sister Gwyneth Poacher to bring together people living with cancer and other serious conditions. Today it supports people with cancer, MND, Parkinson’s, MS, dementia, stroke recovery and other neurological conditions.
Founded in 1980, with roots in the early days of the swim through Arlon “Coco” Owens. Funds raised go on to support other local charities and organisations.