Hundreds of moments of mindfulness, community spirit and generosity came together on the longest day of the year as supporters gathered for our second annual Solstice Sunset Swim.
The event, held at Dinton Pastures Activity Centre on Sunday, sold out, attracting supporters eager to celebrate the summer solstice while raising vital funds for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home.
Guests enjoyed a unique wellbeing experience featuring guided meditation, a restorative sound bath, open-air yoga and open-water swimming and sauna sessions, creating an atmosphere of reflection, connection and renewal as the sun set over the lake.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s gathering raised £3,600 and counting, which will help the charity continue providing accommodation, advice and practical support to individuals and families facing homelessness.
Fiona Keyte, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the second Solstice Sunset Swim. The event brings together everything that makes our community special – kindness, connection and a desire to make a positive difference.
“I spoke to a woman after the event who told me she had found the evening incredibly special.
“She had never heard of Launchpad before attending with a friend, but hearing Sam’s story had really moved her. She said it brought the reality of homelessness much closer to home and made an issue that can often feel distant feel very real.
“She was also amazed by the range of services we provide and had no idea just how much support is available to people facing crisis.”
We remain Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity, supporting some of the town’s most vulnerable people through housing, advice and tailored support services.
Following another successful year, we hope the Solstice Sunset Swim will continue to grow and become a much-loved annual fixture in Reading’s fundraising calendar.
