Mayor McHugh and Danny Quigley launch landmark charity swim in Derry

A powerful new open water swimming challenge, aimed at promoting mental health awareness and wellbeing, is coming to the River Foyle. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh has joined forces with local ultra-endurance athlete and mental health campaigner Danny Quigley to host the "Mayor’s Foyle Challenge" on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The event seeks to celebrate the river's positivity while raising needed funds and awareness for the Mayor’s chosen charities for his year in office: PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity and the Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund.

Mayor McHugh and Danny Quigley are looking for 180 experienced open water swimmers to take part in the challenge which will take place between the pontoon at the Council Offices and Prehen Boathouse.

Launching the initiative on the river this week, the Mayor expressed his hope that the challenge will capture the public’s imagination and highlight and promote the critical support available to those in distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Danny to host this innovative event that will allow swimmers to challenge themselves on the river, while also promoting positive health and wellbeing and raising funds for my charities.

“The Foyle has been the source of pain and heartache for far too many families locally but this event seeks to celebrate the positivity of the river and to highlight that there is always help and support out there for anyone experiencing distress.

“The spectacle of so many swimmers making their way up the river on May 16th will be a wonderfully inspiring occasion for everyone swimming and supporting on the riverside so I’d encourage anyone interested in taking part to register now to seal your spot.”

Swimmers on the day will be split into three waves, depending on their experience and ability and the event organisers are keen to stress that the challenge is for swimmers who have experience of open water swimming.

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Wave One will be for experienced open water swimmers who will swim 3km, Wave Two is for intermediate open water swimmers who will also swim 3km and Wave Three will be for competent open water swimmers who will swim 1km.

The event will start from around 11.00am to 4.00pm on May 16, however individual start times may vary and the exact times will be determined closer to the date when more accurate tide timings are available.

Anyone wishing to take part can register online at  www.derrystrabane.com/mayorsfoylechallenge where there is a minimum donation of £50 for participants who can also carry out their own fundraising for additional sponsorship for the charities.

The website also has detailed advice for swimmers hoping to take part including clothing and equipment, safety rules and a code of conduct.

PIPS Charity provides essential support to individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide, self-harm, or poor mental health.

The charity offers free, unlimited, and confidential counselling services, as well as a crisis walk-in centre in Belfast and telephone support at other regional hubs.

Their dedicated team works to support those in crisis and to promote mental wellbeing across the region.
The second charity, The Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund, delivers vital aid to people living with chronic or terminal illness in the Castlederg area.

By providing specialist equipment, transport support, and access to complementary services, the Fund helps individuals remain at home during treatment while also easing the financial and emotional burden on families.

It also supports those who need temporary accommodation near hospitals when their loved ones are receiving treatment elsewhere.

The Mayor’s Foyle Challenge is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Foyle Search and Rescue, the Lighthouse Project and the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum.

For further information on the Mayor’s Charities and how to donate visit derrystrabane.com/mayor.