THE 6th Annual Danny Crowley Memorial Swim in aid of The Mercy Hospital Kids + Teens Appeal will take place on Christmas Day.

The event is organised by the friends and family of Carrigaline teenager, Danny Crowley, who sadly passed away in November 2013 after a long battle with Leukemia.

On Christmas Day, Danny’s friends, along with many other participants from near and far, will brave the chilly waters at Myrtleville Beach in memory of the young man.

Funds raised will go to the Mercy Hospital Children’s Leukemia unit, where Danny spent a significant amount of time when having treatment in 2013.

The team there, led by Dr Clodagh Ryan, go to enormous effort to make this unit as child-friendly as possible, and Danny’s family said: “For Danny, going to the Mercy was like being at home and that is a testament to their level of care.”

Since it was first organised in 2013 by a group of Danny’s friends, the event has gone from strength and has raised the tremendous amount of €55,000 to date.

Last Year’s, Christmas Day Charity Swim raised a phenomenal €14,000 and was the biggest to date with over 300 swimmers braving the chilly waters for the worthy cause.

Danny’s mom Majella Crowley said: “The annual Charity Swim is a lovely way to remember Danny and to support the great work being done at the Mercy Hospital Children’s Leukemia Unit. Each year, the swim is bigger than the previous one. The atmosphere on Myrtleville is always incredible as the community rallies together for this wonderful cause. We are blown away by the fact that the number of people willing to plunge the icy Christmas waters continues to grow. It really is a credit to Danny’s friends, and the wider community, who believe the best way to remember him is by helping others.”

Anyone interested in taking part can get their sponsorship cards ahead of the swim at Mano Mano Barber Shop, Main Street, Carrigaline from Jennifer Crowley (087) 9957252 or from any member of the Crowley family. You can also call Deborah Lonergan on (086) 3739135.