Mayor feeling uplifted by public’s positive response to Foyle Challenge swim event
22 January 2026
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has thanked the scores of swimmers who have signed up for his Foyle Challenge swim event on the River Foyle.
Mayor McHugh is teaming up with Derry Ultra-Endurance Athlete and Mental Health and Wellbeing Campaigner Danny Quigley to host the event for open water swimmers on Saturday May 16th.
Over 100 swimmers have already committed to take part in the event which aims to raise much needed funds and awareness for the Mayor’s chosen charities for his year in office: PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity and the Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund.
He is hoping to attract 180 open water swimmers, who must be at a competent swimming level by the day of the event, to take part in the challenge which will take place between the pontoon at the Council Offices and Prehen Boathouse.
“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 and to celebrate 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 seal your spot as it looks set to sell out.”
Swimmers on the day will be split into three waves, depending on their experience and ability.
Wave One will be for experienced open water swimmers who will swim 3km, Wave Two is for intermediate open water swimmers who will also swim 3km and Wave Three will be for competent open water swimmers who will swim 1km.
Training plans for swimmers to reach a competent level of swimming to complete the 1km swim will be shared on the event’s social media pages The Mayor’s Foyle Challenge on Facebook and @mayorsfoylechallenge on Instagram.
The event will start from around 11am to 4pm on May 16th however individual start times may vary and the exact times will be determined closer to the date when more accurate tide timings are available.
Anyone wishing to take part can register online at www.derrystrabane.com/mayorsfoylechallenge where there is a minimum donation of £50 for participants who can also carry out their own fundraising for additional sponsorship for the charities.
The website also has detailed advice for swimmers hoping to take part including clothing and equipment, safety rules and a code of conduct.
PIPS Charity provides essential support to individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide, self-harm, or poor mental health.
The charity offers free, unlimited, and confidential counselling services, as well as a crisis walk-in centre in Belfast and telephone support at other regional hubs.
Their dedicated team works to support those in crisis and to promote mental wellbeing across the region.
The second charity, The Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund, delivers vital aid to people living with chronic or terminal illness in the Castlederg area.
By providing specialist equipment, transport support, and access to complementary services, the Fund helps individuals remain at home during treatment while also easing the financial and emotional burden on families.
It also supports those who need temporary accommodation near hospitals when their loved ones are receiving treatment elsewhere.
The Mayor’s Foyle Challenge is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Foyle Search and Rescue, the Lighthouse Project and the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum.
For further information on the Mayor’s Charities and how to donate visit derrystrabane.com/mayor