A record amount of €130,000 has been raised for Cancer Care West from the rescheduled Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim which finally took place last Saturday.
Ninety four swimmers accompanied by nearly one hundred boats, paddle boards and kayaks arrived safely in Blackrock after swimming 13km. A large crowd of excited spectators who had turned out to greet them
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. On-water safety is marshalled by Oranmore Maree Coastal Recovery Crews and Ciaran Oliver of Galway Bay Boat Tours. The event would not happen without the support of the maritime community.
All proceeds from the event go to Cancer Care West in memory of Frances Thornton who passed away from cancer in 2008.
Speaking on behalf of all the organisers, Frances’ husband Brian Thornton said they were very pleased with the amount raised for Cancer Care West.
“We would like to thank all the swimmers and all the volunteers, who do so much to ensure that this event is so successful,” he said.
