‘They're all very hardy ladies, brave ladies, courageous ladies’ – women’s fundraiser

A Cold Swim fundraiser took place in Arva on Monday to raise awareness for Women’s Aid, a group that works to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse.

On Nollaig na mBan, six women took to the ice-cold waters of Garty Lough to raise awareness for the organisation.

The event was spearheaded by Deirdre Smyth, who began lake swimming this year. Deirdre has raised nearly €1,000 to date, starting with an initial target of €150.

“It was brilliant,” she said of the fundraiser.

“They’re all very hardy ladies, brave ladies, courageous ladies.”

“It was exciting, it was Baltic cold but we didn’t really mind so much because we knew what we were doing it for and for all the other women out there who aren’t as lucky or privileged enough as we are.”

The single mother of one saw the Women’s Aid fundraiser on Facebook and decided to participate.

“It a charity that’s being going a long time but the awareness isn’t really coming into everybody’s every day life until you’re directly affected by it,” she said, adding that one in four women are affected by domestic abuse.

Asked about her motivation, Deirdre responded: “It was really on my end to raise awareness of how unhealthy relationships can affect women long term, but not only the women - the kids, the families.

“It was something that is quite dear to my heart and I really just wanted to put awareness out there.”

She hopes to build on the fundraiser “year on year” and “make it an annual event”.

“I’m absolutely blown away by the response I had and the generosity of local friends and family on Facebook,” she concluded.

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