The fifth annual Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West will take place on Saturday July 24. The 13k event begins in Auginish in Co Clare and ends at Blackrock diving tower in Salthill.
More than 50 swimmers have taken part in the swim, raising more than €160,000 for the local charity.
“This year, like other years, the majority of the swimmers will be stepping in to Galway Bay at Auginish in Co Clare in just their swimming togs, with a few in wetsuits, hoping to land at the iconic Blackrock diving tower a few hours later,” says a spokesperson for the organisers.
“Training for this event has involved many hours swimming up and down in the swimming pool and also along the Salthill promenade in varying conditions, while trial swims have included swimming from Blackrock to Mutton Island and back, a distance of just over five kilometres - a little under half that of the bay itself.
“Getting physically and mentally prepared for this type of swim is a major challenge. The water temperature is about 15 degrees Celsius at this time of year and the mental strength needed to overcome this is paramount. The weather conditions are unpredictable and totally out of the swimmers’ hands. They will simply do their best to not disturb passing seals while trying to avoid the jellyfish and passing vessels!”
Organiser Kevin Thornton says there is a lot of interest in the fundraiser. “Interest has exploded this year with swimmers applying from all over the country and one or two from the UK.”
The swimmers’ safety will be managed by Barry Heskin who will co-ordinate up to 24 safety boats. The swimmers are expected to arrive at Blackrock, Salthill from 3pm to 4pm. People are urged to come along and support them and the charity.
Expressing his appreciation to the swimmers, David O’Donnell of Cancer Care West said the charity appreciated the swimmers’ support.
People wishing to support the swim should contact Ronan at (087 ) 9919107, Kevin at (086 ) 3571714 or log onto www.mycharity.ie/event/galwaybayswim2010 There will also be a fundraising day on Saturday around Galway city.
