Mayo swimming club raises over €28,000 for Sunflower Children’s Hospice

Castlebar Swimming Club has raised an impressive €28,741.59 for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice following a fundraising Swimathon and raffle held in June.

The club brought together 43 members for the challenge of swimming the equivalent of the full 360km length of the River Shannon, with participants combining their efforts to surpass the target on the day.

The funds will support the development of the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, which will provide specialist care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the western seaboard.

Developed by Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, the facility will be the first children’s hospice to be built outside Dublin.

Planning permission has recently been granted, with construction expected to begin in January 2027 and the hospice scheduled to open to patients in 2029.

Since the plans were first unveiled in November 2025, the foundation has raised €9 million towards the €20 million development through community and corporate fundraising, donations and local initiatives. A further €11 million is needed to complete the project.

The design has been shaped through workshops with families who will use the service, alongside clinicians, to ensure the facility meets the practical and therapeutic needs of children and their families.

Features informed by their feedback include a canopy over the front entrance, a shower immediately inside the front door and a hydrotherapy pool.

Trevor Rennick, Chairperson of Castlebar Swimming Club, said members had initially wondered whether the 360km challenge might be too ambitious.

However, he said the young swimmers quickly got to work and exceeded the target.

“Their achievement was a testament to their dedication, ability and the tremendous work put in by our coaches throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of every swimmer who took part,” he said.

“To raise €28,741.59 for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice on top of completing the challenge makes the achievement even more special. It is a fantastic cause, and we are delighted to have played a part in supporting the vital work that the hospice will provide for children and families across the region,” Mr Rennick added.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, thanked the club, its members and everyone who contributed to the fundraising effort.

She said swimming the length of the Shannon was a fantastic challenge in itself, while raising almost €29,000 alongside it was a remarkable achievement.

“Every euro raised brings us closer to making the Sunflower Children’s Hospice a reality and helping us provide much-needed care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families,” she said.

The foundation continues to raise funds towards the remaining €11 million required to deliver the hospice.

Further information about the Sunflower Children’s Hospice and its development is available on its website.