The Team
Who We Are
Ceri Oakes
Organiser
Ceri is a sea-loving mum of two boys and a photographer.
She volunteers as press officer for Whitby RNLI which is where she met Ally. Together they founded Whitby Wild Swimmers, a social sea swimming group.
In 2022 Ceri learned about the old Sandsend to Whitby swim and decided to try and reinstate it with help from Ally, Helen and Effie.
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The first planned swim in 2022 didn't go ahead due to the weather but in 2023 they the event went ahead and was a great success.
Ally Brisby
Organiser
Ally Brisby is a passionate sea swimmer and RNLI crew member in Whitby, she lives aboard a boat in the harbour with her husband Danny and dog Willow.
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Ally has a wealth of open water swim experience after previously completing a solo channel swim and various other crazy challenges such as an ice mile!
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Ally is passionate about encouraging others to enjoy sea swimming safely.
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Effie Burns
Organiser
Effie Burns is a glass artist from Whitby whose award winning work is inspired by nature.
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Effie brings a calm and level head to the team, helping to plan the event and on the day you'll find her at the finish line, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
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Effie is a regular sea swimmer
Helen Peterson
Organiser
Helen is a lover of the sea and holds regular yoga classes on the beach in Whitby, Filey and Scarborough.
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Her passion for yga saw her leave her role as lifeguard manager for the RNLI, and set up her own business Happy Seal Yoga.
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Helen brings her knowledge of the sea, and safety experince to the team, heading up the safety crew on the day.
