Danny Quigley pictured during his swimming fundraiser this week in celebration of those who died by suicide.
by Louise Doyle
“TO those suffering, you mean more than you think you do.”
Those were the heartfelt words of a Newtowncunningham gym owner Danny Quigley, who completed a gruelling swimming challenge to celebrate the life of his father and others who have lost their lives to suicide.
On Monday of last week, Danny began his selfless, mammoth challenge of swimming from Lifford to the mouth of Lough Foyle into the Atlantic and on to Kinnagoe Bay in Inishowen.
The special fundraiser called, ‘Celebration of Life’ is in celebration of the lives of people who have died by suicide, remembering how they lived instead of how they died. Funds raised are in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue and Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum in Derry.
Danny, a former Ironman competitor, began training months ago to strengthen his physical and mental stamina to enable him to complete the swim.
“I have always felt the need to celebrate those who have died surrounding suicide and mental illness,” he said.
“I feel that many of those who pass away in such a tragedy are forgotten for who they were, what they loved and what type of character they were and instead are overshadowed by their illness or suicide.
“That’s why I have decided to mark a celebration in the lives of all those who wish to join me on this journey and truly celebrate their loved one in a way which will highlight who they were, what they loved and their very memory of when they were at their highest and happiest,” said Danny.
“Although it’s important to raise awareness and caution around mental health, it’s also important to celebrate the lives of the people we lost, remembering them before they got sick, remembering the good days.”
Danny entered the water on Monday last, shortly after midday, and swam in the direction of Derry until the tide turned. Just after midnight on Tuesday he swam the remainder of the River Foyle.
He completed the River Foyle way ahead of schedule in seven hours and 18 minutes before moving on to Lough Foyle. Starting the second leg of day two, Danny was stung in the face in training by a jellyfish. Undeterred, he completed Lough Foyle in six hours and 18 minutes.
His final stretch began on Wednesday afternoon. Crowds of people have lined the routes in support of Danny, applauding him as he enters and exits the water.
Providing an update online, Danny told of how his body was suffering.
“My body is telling me to stop but my mindset is keeping things moving. Thanks for your continued support. Things are definitely going to slow up today as my body is in bits.”
The swim presented many challenges for Danny, who wrote on one of his updates how he managed to cover slightly over 10km in almost four hours.
“This goes to show how both fast the Foyle is and how equally difficult it is to fight against the tides.
“I literally swam on the spot for the guts of 40 minutes today, this was soul destroying but with resilience I managed to break through. Last night I got tangled up in a tree, swimming along the Foyle one minute then stuck up a tree the next.”
Danny was expected to do his final lap through the city of Derry yesterday, covering 110km, each kilometre in celebration of 110 people.
He said has been supported all through his challenge by kayakers, swimmers and dippers.
“I truly appreciate this support I’ve been receiving, it means more than you think it does. And to those suffering, you mean more than you think you do.”
Danny said he also plans a piece of remembrance art or a sculpture as a token of celebration to those who have died by suicide.
To donate, see www.gofundme.com
Anyone in distress can contact Pieta House free on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444; TEXT Crisis Textline Ireland on 50808 – a free 24/7 text service; Ring Samaritans 24/7 on freephone number 116-123
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