Wicklow Swimming Club launches fundraiser for four charities
MEMBERS of Wicklow Swimming Club who have dubbed themselves ‘The Travelling Swimburys’ intend to carry out a virtual swim from Malin to Mizen Head to raise money for four charities.
The charities set to benefit are Pieta House, The Gavin Glynn Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and Wicklow Cancer Support.
Eileen Earls of Wicklow Cancer Support and John Glynn of The Gavin Glynn Foundation were both present for Monday’s launch of the swim challenge.
The idea came about as a consequence of Covid-19 restrictions to sport swimming and the absence of competitions. Participants will swim virtually as the crow flies, from Malin to Mizen Head, a distance of 466km. The team will cumulatively swim the distance throughout the month of July, swimming out of Wicklow Harbour over 30 days, aiming to achieve 1.19km a day.
‘Travelling Swimbury’ member Elaine Noble said: ‘We’re taking part in this challenge for charity, which allows us to support a cause that is close to our hearts. Family members and friends have been affected by a disease or illness, so we wanted to raise money for charities that not only have meaning to us, but support our cause and know that we’re doing our bit to help.
‘Charities are always in need of more money, so our charity challenge fundraising will hopefully benefit them and make a difference. Our chosen charities will be happy to explain exactly how your money will help by showing you how it will be spent and who will benefit from it.’
Donations can be made to www.idonate.ie/travellingswimburyvirtualswim. Everyone who donates will be entered into a raffle that will feature prizes such as a barbecue worth €400, hampers, meals for two, spot prizes and more. Winners will be named when the team completes the swim challenge.