Firms take to water for bath tub bonanza

The Higgidy team, James Footit, James Molyneux, Hannah Turpin and Giles Gilbert

A total of 18 teams, including Higgidy from Shoreham and Focus Group from Southwick, competed in the second annual Great Sussex Bath Race at a private lake near Chichester on Sunday.

Event director Neil Laughton, entrepreneur, pilot and adventurer, said: “It was a brilliant day in the sun and we have already raised around £16,000 for our chosen charities, Chestnut Tree House and LifeCentre, with many more pledges and donations to be counted.

“I’d like to thank everyone who threw themselves into this whacky contest with such enthusiasm and already businesses are approaching us to enter teams next year.”

The trouphy winners with DJ Ambrose Harcourt

Teams of four were provided with bath tubs, along with long wooden poles, large blue barrels and rope to build a raft on the day.

All team members had to sit on the raft with their feet placed in the bathtub.

They then had to paddle 250 yards, racing in heats, with the winners going forward to a grand final race in the afternoon to win trophies adorned with bath taps.

Caremark UK from Worthing claimed the grand final winners trophy, presented by DJ Ambrose Harcourt.

The Mercedes Mariners team from Mercedes-Benz of Brighton made a great come back, having sunk their bath on their maiden voyage last year, and won the demolition derby.

Mayo Wynne Baxter from Brighton took home the wooden spoon, coming last in the grand final race heat, while the Bonnier Buccaneers team from Bonnier Publishing in Dorking was recognised for spirit and enthusiasm, taking home the booby prize.

West Sussex High Sheriff Jonathan Lucas and his wife Caroline visited the lake to see some of the action and show their support.

The day was compered by Tom Foolery, from the recently opened independent coffee shop in Shoreham.

Hugh Lowson, chief executive at Chestnut Tree House, said: “We are delighted that the Great Sussex Bath Race has chosen to support Chestnut Tree House for the second year running.”

He said the ‘incredible £16,000’ raised last year had made a real difference to the children and families using Chestnut Tree House.