THREE women. Ten Donegal beaches. Ten tough miles to swim in ten days. Can you help us on our Odyssey?

To mark the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Foyle Hospice in Derry, friends Jane McGinty, Liz Havlin Wilson and Kathy Donaghy are embarking on their own ambitious fundraiser this summer.

When hospice founder Dr Tom McGinley passed away earlier this year, his son Ciaran asked people to complete a ten mile challenge by June 21 in his memory, to raise much need funds for the Foyle Hospice.

Jane, Liz and Kathy have decided to swim their miles by completing a mile on ten of Donegal’s beaches over ten consecutive days this June. The three friends, who first met while taking part in a ladies try-a-tri event in Derry City in 2017, are undertaking the challenge to raise much-needed funds for hospice which has helped countless families all over the North West.

Year-round sea swimmers the trio are currently in the planning stages of the swim and trying to get as much training in as cold water and restrictions currently allow.

“We’d love people to give what they can to this hugely worthy cause. We’ll list the times and dates of our swims closer to the time so if you’d like to join us for a section of the swim or shake buckets on the beach, you’d be most welcome,” says Liz.
The swim will take in a number of Inishowen beaches including Culdaff and Stroove but will also see the trio venture further afield to west Donegal to complete the unique challenge.

*About the swimmers 🏊‍♀️

Jane McGinty is a lecturer at South West College in Fermanagh and Tyrone. A runner and camper van enthusiast, she lives in Derry City.

Liz Havlin Wilson is a mortgage arrears advisor.  A mother of three and grandmother of three, she lives in Inishowen, Co Donegal.

Kathy Donaghy is a journalist and lecturer and a mum of two. She lives in Inishowen, Co Donegal.

*Completing this challenge is dependent on restrictions being eased.