Derry athlete Danny Quigley will be passing Inishowen today as part of his epic ‘Celebration of Life’ swim of the Foyle.
An advocate for mental health and suicide awareness, Danny is hoping to raise funds for the Health Forum as well as the Foyle Search and Rescue Team.
He has challenged himself to swim the entire length of the River Foyle, through Lough Foyle and out into the Atlantic Ocean. The swim stretches from Lifford to Kinnegoe Bay, which he hopes to reach by the 24th.
Danny hopes to dedicate every kilometre swam to someone who has lost their life to suicide.
He said “This isn’t about me, it’s about celebrating the lives of those who we have lost. Remember them, don’t be afraid to speak of them, bring them up in conversation and be proud of them. Do it all the time without fear of what others think.”
Today’s leg will see Danny leaving from Foyle Search and Rescue base at 12:15pm. The crew will take him to his marker at Muff. He will get into the water and aim to swim as far as Carrickarory pier which is just before Moville. The swim will take roughly 4/5 hours and should see him cover a distance of approx 19km.
Danny has already completed the first two legs of the challenge (Lifford to Prehen to Lough Foyle), swimming 34.2km in 7 hours and 18 minutes. The final leg of his journey will take place on Sunday 11.30 am with a Fun Day at Prehen in Derry.
He is due to come to the pier at Redcastle between 5pm and 6pm. His estimated time may change so keep an eye on the Redcastle Village Association’s Facebook page for updates.
You can donate to Danny’s Gofundme page through this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/65hwv-the-celebration-of-life
