Derry community rallies behind Mayor McHugh for Foyle Challenge

PICTURED ABOVE: MAYOR'S SWIM CHALLENGE. . . .Group pictured at the Guildhall to support the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairi McHugh's Foyle Swim Challenge, which will take place on the River Foyle to raise funds for local charities on Saturday, May 16, 2026. From left are some of the sponsors, John McGowan, North West Academy of English, Gavin O'Kane, Swim Ethos, Arlene Dickson, O'Neills and Louise Denvir, Foyle Port.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has thanked the scores of swimmers who have already signed up for his Mayor’s Foyle Challenge open water swim event on the River Foyle and the local organisations whose financial support is helping deliver the event.

Mayor McHugh this week met with the event sponsors of the initiative on Saturday, May 16 to thank them for their support which will help deliver the innovative event and support his chosen charities for his year in office: PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland and the Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund.

The First Citizen is teaming up with Derry ultra-endurance athlete and mental health and wellbeing campaigner Danny Quigley to take part in and host the swim which will take place between Prehen Boathouse and Council Offices and has received an overwhelming backing from the public.

The confirmed event sponsors are North West Academy of English, Swim Ethos, O'Neills Sportswear, Foyle Port, and Derry City Football Club.

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“This event has clearly captured the public’s imagination since we launched it before Christmas and the response has been both heartening and overwhelming,” said Mayor McHugh.

“It’s an innovative way of highlighting and promoting the critical support available to those in distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts while also celebrating the positivity of the river which has been the source of heartache for too many families over the years.

“The spectacle of so many swimmers making their way up the river on May 16th will be a wonderfully inspiring occasion for everyone swimming and supporting on the riverside.

“There are three different waves depending on your swimming ability and experience and I’d encourage anyone interested in taking part to register now to secure your spot as over 80% of places are now taken.”

Swimmers will be split into three waves based on experience and ability.

Wave One and Wave Two will both cover a distance of 3km for experienced and intermediate swimmers respectively, while Wave Three will see competent swimmers take on a 1km route.

The event will run between approximately 11am and 4pm, with individual start times to be confirmed closer to the date, subject to tide conditions.

Participants must make a minimum donation of £50 and are encouraged to undertake additional fundraising in support of the Mayor’s charities. Registration is currently limited with places available only on Wave 1 & Wave 2 races left.  Register now at www.derrystrabane.com/mayorsfoylechallenge.

PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland provides essential, free and confidential support services to individuals, families and communities affected by suicide, self-harm and poor mental health, including counselling and crisis intervention.

The Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund delivers vital assistance to individuals living with chronic or terminal illness, helping them remain at home during treatment while easing the financial and emotional burden on families.

The Mayor’s Foyle Challenge is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, with additional support from Foyle Search and Rescue, the Lighthouse Project and the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum.

Mayor McHugh concluded by thanking all those involved in supporting the event: “This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved when our community comes together, from our swimmers and volunteers to our sponsors and partner organisations. Their collective effort will make a real difference to the lives of many.”