Kilkenny water babies honoured at 2024 Water Babies Little Heroes Awards

Water Babies, Ireland’s leading baby and toddler swimming school, is pleased  to announce that 14 inspiring babies and children from across Ireland have been honoured at  Water Babies Little Heroes Awards this year, including two youngsters from Kilkenny.

Water Babies unveiled heartwarming tales of how swimming and playing in water have become transformative for babies and toddlers, aiding them in overcoming health challenges, enhancing their development, and bringing joy to their lives and their families'. Despite special needs and serious illnesses, many of our Water Babies Little Heroes have demonstrated an astonishing amount of resilience and courage, defying the odds from their earliest years.

Four-year-old Alex Murphy shines brightly as a Little Hero in his swimming journey at the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny, under the guidance of Sandra. Despite facing health challenges that initially delayed his start in swimming, Alex's determination and resilience have propelled him forward. Dealing with hypermobility syndrome and chronic low muscle tone, he navigates the pool with admirable strength and perseverance. Swimming has become more than just a recreational activity for Alex; it's a sanctuary where he can exercise and build essential muscle and strength in a safe environment. The positive impact of swimming on his day-to-day life is evident and acknowledged by his occupational therapist.   With each session, Alex's confidence grows, and his infectious smile upon leaving the pool reflects the joy and fulfilment he finds in swimming. Water Babies has not only been a source of support but also a catalyst for Alex's growth and development, for which his family is profoundly grateful.

 Little Hero Fiadh was born with Down syndrome however that has never stopped her as she embarked on her remarkable journey with Water Babies at just 10 months old in Kilkenny's Ormonde Hotel.  Fiadh’s early months were marked by challenges, including open-heart surgery to repair her AVSD and a lengthy ICU stay in Crumlin Hospital. Despite these hurdles, Fiadh's resilience, and spirit shine through in the water. Following in the footsteps of her older sisters, Fiadh's love for swimming has only grown since she started Water Babies in September 2023.    Notably, her strength and core muscles have seen significant improvement, thanks to her regular sessions with Water Babies.  With every splash and giggle, Fiadh's joy in the water is evident, her smile a testament to the therapeutic benefits of swimming for her low muscle tone.  Through her determination and infectious spirit, Fiadh exemplifies what it means to be a Little Hero, inspiring all those around her with her courage and resilience.

Carol McNally from Water Babies said;

"While we recognise the numerous physical benefits of introducing babies to swimming at a tender age, our Little Hero Awards shed light on the extraordinary resilience and achievements of those born with unique challenges. Witnessing these remarkable little ones thrive in Water Babies lessons, surpassing expectations and reaching milestones once deemed unattainable, fills us with overwhelming pride and joy.  At Water Babies, we are immensely proud of our little heroes and the dedicated teachers who support, encourage, and champion them every step of the way.  Our little heroes journey in the water is not just about physical growth, but also about emotional resilience and personal triumphs."