This year marks 20 years of the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim, which has grown into a massive annual event in the past two decades.
Since the first crossing in 2004 with just three swimmers, the event has grown into one of Ireland’s largest and most loved open water challenges.
On Saturday, July 19, over 160 swimmers took on the 13km stretch across Galway Bay in aid of Cancer Care West.
To mark this anniversary, organisers are inviting people everywhere to take on the challenge their own way, by swimming the same distance of 13km throughout the month of August in any body of water that suits them.
Whether it’s in a sea, lake, river or pool, swimmers of all levels are encouraged to get involved.
Inspired by the global response to the 2020 virtual swim during the pandemic, ‘Swim the Bay Your Way’ offers the same shared sense of purpose and community.
That year, people swam wherever they could, creating a collective experience of positivity and support and this year, they can do it again.
Journalist and Cancer Care West board member Lorna Siggins shared her perspective, “As a bit of a sailor and paddler, my instinct has always been to keep one’s head above water.”
“However, since moving to Galway, I’ve been so impressed by swimmers and boat skippers who invest so much of their time in navigating the bay at the mouth of the Atlantic every year. And all for a brilliant cause, in memory of the late Frances Thornton.”
“When Cancer Care West ran a virtual swim during Covid, I only remember beautiful sunrises and mill pond seas off Palmer’s Rock, because I only swam on the good days.”
“I’ve survived the actual crossing since, thanks to a wonderful relay team, and I now know how truly mighty, marvellous and magnificent all those regular bay swimmers are – along with their support crews and shore volunteers.”
The virtual event offers a taste of all that, but without the pressure and with the option to enjoy birdlife and sunrises, a cuppa and a chat about jellyfish, anywhere in the world that it is safe to do so.”
Brian Thornton, board member of the Galway Bay Swim, highlights the value of the initiative, saying that it has grown into something truly special.
“People take on the challenge for many reasons to honour a loved one, to celebrate a milestone, or simply because the bay is there to be crossed.”
Brian said that the ‘Bay, You Way’ initiative is a great way for people to get involved, highlighting its accessibility as a great entry point for swimmers of any strength.
“You can do it with friends or on your own. And it’s a great way to get fit while helping a local charity that supports so many families.”
All funds raised in the event go directly to Cancer Care West. This incredible local charity provides support for cancer patients and their families, including hospital accommodation for people receiving radiotherapy at UHG.
Other support services such as reiki, meditation and yoga help with people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Everyone who completes the 13km challenge in August will receive a commemorative swim cap and medal.
