Swim for Hospice
Some of this region’s well -known swimmers made a real splash for the north west hospice at the weekend.
Brave Swimmers, Shane ODoherty, Kieran Fitzgerald, Paul McGarry, Scot Reid, Lynsey Dunne, Anthony Blake, Andy Hamilton and Padraig Hanley testing the icy waters of Lough Gill in Sligo, in preparation for this years Lough Gill 10k Swim, which takes place on August 11th, in the hope of raising funds for the North West Hospice.Photo: James Connolly / PicSell828APR12
Pictured are some hardy souls taking a dip in the icy waters of Lough Gill at Parkes Castle ahead of the real thing that takes place in August in the 25th Anniversary of the Hospice.
Last year the 10 kilometre swim from Parkes Castle, Dromahair to the Back Avenue in Sligo raised E11,000 for the north west hospice.
Organiser Paul McGarry said that swimmers from various groups throughout Sligo had rallied to help the cause of cancer victims.
Paul decided to organise the swim after losing his nephew Neil McGarry to cancer in October 2010.
And the care Neil received from the hospice inspired Paul to get involved in the 10 kilometre swim which is a test for any swimmer.
The purpose is to raise money for the north west hospice and it also serves as the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association (ILDSA) Connacht 10 km championship.
Neil’s parents Dessie and Phil have donated a trophy from carved bog oak in the shape of a swimmer for the winner of the event in memory of Neil’s brave fight against cancer.
“The swim will take place on August 12 this year.
“Last weekend was just to let people know and we will be having a formal launch in the Radisson at a date to be decided.
“Last year was an outstanding success and the swimmers were honoured at a reception by mayor Rosaleen O’Grady”
“We are hoping that this year’s event will be an even bigger success” said Paul.
Swim for Hospice,
Category: Featured Articles, Lifestyle
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