Swim Galway Bay your way once again this year for the 16th annual Francis Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West.
Throughout the month of August, this renowned event will once again see people encouraged to get into the water where they can and swim the distance to raise funds for Cancer Care West
Last year the annual swim, which is one of Ireland’s most well known and longest single day swims, had to change format due to COVID-19, and is keeping to it for this year as well.
Where normally 150 odd people would swim 13km across Galway Bay over a single day, 2020 saw people from all over the world, as far away as Australia, swimming in pools, rivers and more close to them.
This unprecedented level of engagement was reflected in the record breaking €185,000 the 2020 Galway Bay Swim raised for Cancer Care West’s essential services.
“August was the highlight of 2020 for so many swimmers, with the focus of swimming the bay their way, wherever they were,” said Dave O’Donnell of Cancer Care West.
He said that there was an incredible community element to people getting the kilometres swum, not matter where they were in the world.
“People swam between 100m and 2km, Whatever their ability, it really brought a sense of achievement and purpose as well as support for Cancer Care West.”
Since the memorial swim began 15 years ago, 740 people have swam the Bay to raise funds for this Galway charity.
Brian Thornton, Director of Cancer Care West said “We would naturally love to be swimming the bay in one day but until we can safely, this month-long event allows everyone to be part of something so positive.”
“There is a coming together through the strokes that gives us all a sense of place and purpose again.”
The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim will take place throughout August. People are invited to swim 13km, which can be broken up throughout the whole month.
Swimmers are asked to raise €100 each for Cancer Care West this year and will receive a personalised Technical Tee.
To register for the event please log on to www.galwaybayswim.com.
