Lough Arrow swim in 18th year
THE Lough Arrow Christmas Day swim is now in its 18th year and is once again raising funds for the Northwest Hospice.
Since it was founded, the swim has raised in excess of €174,000 and donated to the hospice. Last year’s swim raised €10,435. The idea of the swim originated in a bit of banter between two locals Jimmy Frazer and Michael Wall daring or even defying each other to go for a winter swim, the notion planted a seed in a few minds and quickly the suggestion of taking a dip on Christmas morning as a fundraiser for charity grasped the imagination of the local community. The unfortunate reality that practically every family is related or connected to some victim of cancer made the selection of Northwest Hospice as the beneficiary of the fundraising effort very easy. The first swim raised approximately €6,550. In 2001 approximately 20 people participated, mostly members of the local Rowing Club, last year 80 people took the dip. The event has now become a tradition in the area and people are coming from further and further away to take part. On the day, there will be a DJ, hot drinks and a raffle. The organisers said they are very thankful to their local businesses that generously sponsor spot prizes. The organisation of the event is all done voluntarily with everybody in the local community doing something to assist in the event becoming the success it has. The work that Northwest Hospice has done for local families is to the forefront of their minds and this is reflected in the amounts of money raised.
This year’s dip is scheduled for 1pm Christmas Day, Flynns Pier, Ballindoon (via Castlebaldwin). Sponsorship cards available from committee or their Facebook page.