Hardy swimmer braves the icy waters to show support for Tómas

The prospect of swimming in Galway Bay throughout January might send most into a cold sweat – but that’s the challenge that a hardy personal trainer from Turloughmore has set himself for the entire month.

And it’s all in aid of young Tómas McLoughlin from Corofin, who is confined to a wheelchair and has no independent movement.

Philip Mullins from Cregmore, who is taking to the waters at Rinville, Oranmore, every day, has been accompanied by several other brave souls on occasions supporting his novel fundraising initiative.

Eleven-year-old Liverpool fanatic Tómas, who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair, will require lifelong 24-hour care.

Strong swimmer Philip hopes to raise much-needed funds to assist parents Ann-Marie and Shane adapt their home to suit Tómas’ many requirements over the coming years.

Late last year Tómas underwent a full left hip replacement at Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital in Dublin but his parents do not qualify for respite care as their son does not have intellectual disabilities.

Read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie