Sea swimmers are being invited to join women from across Ireland in Galway this Saturday, October 8 to raise funds for two charities. Network Ireland is hosting a charity swim at Blackrock in Salthill from 11.00am in aid of ACT for Meningitis and Rosabel’s Rooms.
The event will bring Network Ireland’s Annual Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards to a close. The awards and conference take place at Galway’s Salthill Hotel on Friday, October 7 and celebrate the achievements of women who understand business, who are passionate about their career, and show a determination to succeed no matter what life throws at them.
ACT for Meningitis is a national charity based in Galway and provides free support services to anyone affected by meningitis in Ireland. It also works to save lives through greater awareness of the disease. ACT was founded by Siobhan and Noel Carroll in 2011 following the loss of their four-year-old daughter Aoibhe to meningitis.
Rosabel’s Rooms is a child loss project established by the parents of Rosabel Monroe, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in 2017, aged 16 months. The charity works in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation and provides direct financial and therapeutic support to families around Ireland, who lose a child from stillbirth to 21 years of age, allowing families to take time off work to grieve.
Network Ireland’s National President Noreen McKenzie, said, “The two charities that we are partnering with are incredible, both were set up by families who had to face every parent’s worst nightmare in losing a child. They are based in Galway but are helping countless families right across the country. Our swim on Saturday morning promises to be a special event and will remember two very special girls Aoibhe and Rosabel. I hope that it will become an annual event ”
Siobhan Carroll, CEO of ACT for Meningitis said they are grateful to be chosen by Network Ireland as their charity of the year for 2022.
“This year’s fundraising swim will support the growth and sustainability of our national support services and we look forward to seeing everyone in Galway. On a personal note, I am delighted to team up with Suzanne and our friends at Rosabel’s Rooms. As parents who have suffered the devastating heartbreak of child loss, we know first hand how vital and life changing support services can be. Your support at the Network Ireland Swim this year will help us to reach out and give hope of a brighter future to even more families in 2023.”
Dr Suzanne McClean, Co-Founder of Rosabel’s Rooms said she would like to thank Noreen McKenzie and all at Network Galway and Network Ireland for their ongoing support in helping them to help others.
“Because of initiatives like this, we can continue to provide financial and therapeutic support to bereaved families around Ireland, following the death of a child or young person.
“It is especially important to us to collaborate with ACT for Meningitis, another parent-led charity that has always been close to our hearts. Both myself and Siobhan are honoured and proud to remember our beloved little girls at the inaugural Network Ireland Swim in Salthill.”
The Network Ireland Annual Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards are partnered by AIB and Enterprise Ireland. The gala event is the highlight of the Network Ireland calendar and sold out in record time. It will be hosted by Irish broadcaster and writer Mary Kennedy.
The keynote speakers include Lisa Fallon, the first female to become head coach of a professional men’s team in Ireland and the UK; Sharon Keegan, Founder and CEO of Peachylean.com, a female-led brand, empowering women to love their bodies; Business Development Manager and Coach, Claire Scanlon; and Steven Wilkinson founder of Good and Prosper.
