Huge crowds are expected to descend on Salthill on Saturday 15th July for the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim. 140 swimmers accompanied by nearly one hundred boats, paddle boards and kayaks will start arriving at Blackrock, Salthill around noon as family and friends line the shore to welcome them. There is always a fantastic buzz around this annual event and this year is expected to be no different.
As well as the swimmers, boat captains and crew members, a large number of event organisers, the gardai and hundreds of volunteers turn out every year to make sure everything goes to plan. Crucially the on-water controllers, Ciaran Oliver of Galway Bay Boat Tours along with the Oranmore Maree Coastal Recovery Crews ensure everyone completes the swim safely.
All proceeds from the event go to Cancer Care West in memory of Frances Thornton who passed away from cancer in 2008. This year the organisers are hoping to raise more than €100k, a huge sum for the charity and a sum which will make such a difference to cancer sufferers on the West Coast of Ireland.
Speaking on behalf of all the organisers, Frances’ husband Brian Thornton said they wish all the swimmers the very best and he encouraged everyone to come out to support them on the day.
"Most importantly we thank all the volunteers, who do so much to ensure that this event raises this fantastic amount for our charity."
For more information or to donate - check out http://www.galwaybayswim.com/ or on www.facebook.com/galwaybayswim
