Tracy completes 14km swim across the bay — under water

RETIRED RTE Broadcaster Tracy Piggott completed an underwater endurance swim across Galway Bay to raise funds for the national charity Sensational Kids.

Twenty-eight years after her first swim across Galway Bay, Tracy battled the cold Atlantic waters, changing tides and fatigue for four hours and 45 minutes beneath the surface to complete the 14 km crossing from Finavarra Point, Co Clare to Blackrock, Salthill in Galway on Sunday, August 9.

For Tracy, the challenge carried a deeper purpose, to support children and young people who face barriers in accessing essential developmental assessments and therapeutic support.

The fundraiser ‘Swimming in Silence’ was inspired by her belief that no child should struggle unheard and that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential through timely support and intervention.

Speaking after the swim, Ms Piggott said that she cannot think of a better reason for doing this other than raising awareness and funds for Sensational Kids.

“Even though it was a grueling and sometimes very challenging experience, I know that it is nothing compared to what some parents have to endure for years and years,” she added.

She thanked everyone for their support and asked them to keep donating to the charity if they can.

Funds raised through the campaign will help reduce the cost of therapy services for families, provide subsidised and free services to those most in need.

Sensational Kids has supported more than 11,000 children through its Child Development Centres since 2007, providing services including Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Play Therapy and Educational Psychology Assessments.