A LARGE crowd is expected to pull on their swimming gear later this month when the hugely popular Castle Island Charity Swim takes place across Enniskillen, and remember its late founder Pat Blake.
The much-loved businessman, who passed away last month, is remembered for establishing the popular Island Swim, which has raised huge funds for charity down the years.
Excitement is building ahead of this year’s event, which is set to take place on Sunday, August 18, with all money raised on the day going towards the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
“It is a nice community event and there are people who have done it every year and kids who started off aged eight or now and they’re now 18 or 19,” organiser, Aidy Kelly, told the Herald.
Despite the recent challenging weather conditions, it’s all systems go for the Castle Island Charity Swim to return to Enniskillen this year.
“It was missed last year. We couldn’t run it because of the weather conditions and the flow rate across the site, but we can run it this year, all being well,” said Mr Kelly.
“We had almost 100 swimmers the last time. It is well attended and it definitely has a following.”
The 750-metre swim will once again raise money for the local RNLI branch. The organiser of the Castle Island Charity Swim is full of praise for the businesses who are set to sponsor the upcoming event.
“It was set up and run by Pat Blake who passed away this year. The Blake family still support the swim every year,” said Mr Kelly.
“Blue Green Yonder provide safety cover and facilities, ‘Blake’s of the Hollow’ give sponsorship and ‘Enniskillen Taste Experience’ is also one of the sponsors.
“The whole thing is non-competitive and run on the basis of a family day out. Anybody can swim so long as they’re confident that they can complete the distance.”
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