Derry sisters on a mission to raise vital funds for Foyle Hospice in memory of their mum

Two Derry sisters, who participate in the Foyle Hospice Christmas Day Swim every year, are on a mission to raise vital funds for Foyle Hospice for the “amazing best care” which their mother, Ann received before her death.

With a bold target of £108,000, Mairead and Caoimhe Fox are determined to reach their goal and have been braving the waves on Christmas morning at Ludden Beach, Buncrana, along with various other fundraisers in aid of the hospice, for the last six years. According to Mairead, the pair, along with good friend, former SDLP councillor, Mary Durkan have raised an amazing £27,000 so far.

Mairead described the benefits of the Christmas Day Swim and the special significance behind the event saying: “The cold water is a therapeutic and exhilarating way to remember mammy. Not only does it help with chronic pain, it helps with your mental health.

“We lost our mammy just three weeks before Christmas so this time of year is very sad for us.

“However, once you are in the water, it feels like a reset! You are only in for a few minutes then it’s done, and not only have you raised much needed funds for the hospice, you have honoured your loved one in the most amazing unique way. Then you get out, savour a wee hot whiskey or hot drink and go enjoy your Christmas Day!

“All you are focusing on is your breathing in the freezing cold water and because of this, everything else goes away.”

Mother-of-three Ann Fox, was a well-known lady throughout the community, running Weight Watchers groups in the city for over 20 years and was also the Secretary at Derry City Football Club.

Ann spent just over 16 weeks at Foyle Hospice, which daughter Mairead describes as what became “a home from home.”She said: “It felt like our home, and because of this, we weren’t afraid of mummy dying. She was so content, and the nurses were so lovely and caring. She received the best care that she wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.

“Mammy had three primary cancers, Bowel, Melanoma, and a primary brain tumour, before she died in the hospice at the age of 66. “She was scared to go into the hospice, but once she was there, she was visibly relaxed and was loved by everyone. It wasn’t cold and clinical; it was full of personal touches and reassurance.

“We felt a burden was taken off us as a family. Someone was always there to take the responsibility off you to the point where I felt like her daughter again and not her carer.”

Mairead went on to describe the overwhelming experience of the Foyle Hospice Christmas Day Swim, being surrounded by many people on the beach who too have suffered a loss and are there to honour a loved one.

She continued: “It’s just amazing to see because you know that everyone standing on the beach on Christmas Day has been touched by the Hospice in some way. Sometimes you will see people getting upset and you can share stories together and be there for one another.

“It’s also a happy experience, because as well as feeling emotional, the craic is still amazing! A lot of people dress up and you get chatting to people who you wouldn’t see on Christmas Day!”

Mairead continued: “It is important for us to come together as a community and support events such as the Christmas Day Swim because the money raised is what keeps the hospice going and a lot of people don’t know about the costs.

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“Mammy was in the hospice for 16 weeks, and we were looked after as a family, too. This type of care is a lot of money and we received it all for free. Therefore, we will never stop until we reach £108k, because we want to pay back what it cost for our mammy. Not only that, but so the people coming after us will receive the same amazing care.

“It was the best care anybody could have asked for.We couldn’t have done any of this without the hospice, and the family time we got with her, we wouldn’t have got anywhere else.”

Mairead stressed the importance of braving the cold water on Christmas Day saying: “I would highly recommend it to everyone. If you are worried about it, get practicing with cold showers first and come along this year for a good cause. You will be doing something constructive for your local hospice, even on Christmas Day!”

It is easy to take part! Sign up for the Foyle Hospice Christmas Day Swim online here: foylehospice.com/christmas-day-swim-2024/ or email: noel@foylehospice.com You can also call our Fundraising Office on: (028) 71 359 888.