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THE MERSEY SWIM
The sunshine and high spring tide of Saturday 2nd September saw large crowds gathered at Monks Ferry slipway in Birkenhead to cheer as the 147 brave men and women who emerged from the river Mersey after swimming all the way from the Cockle inlet in Liverpool .
The Across Mersey Swim celebrated thirty successful years since Robin Baynes MBE , Jimmy Tinsley & Bob Jones re-introduced this historic swim in the post war format that was first recorded as part of the Liverpool Olympic Festival way back in1863 . The swimmers were photographed at the statue of John Hulley and words of tribute shared in recognition of his contribution to the city .
The swimmers were waved off by the Mayor of Liverpool , Councillor Mary Rasmussen , under the watchful eye of the swim safety boat team lead by Jamie Hanlon , Dave Parry & Jimmy Tinsley on board Mrs JII , The swim was also supported by Merseyside Dive Club 1 Tony Fitzpatrick , Kate Condron , Belinda Condron , Merseyside Dive Club 2 Robbie Edwards , Paul Bez , Chris & Kate Mills , Ormskirk Diving Club Kevin Gerrard and Paulajo , the Blue RHIB from Wallasey Yacht Club Graham Earp , Chris on cruiser Alcoholic and Ray Dawson and his crew on board Full Life .
Thanks also to New Brighton Life Boat , The RNLI and Marine Fire1 for their presence and support throughout the swim .
The swimmers crossed the river together in teams or PODs for safety , being shepard ’ d along the ‘ swim-line ’ by a team of Kayakers lead by Colin . Each POD identified by their matching swim hats and a carnival array of coloured tow floats .
The first swimmers arrived in just over twenty minutes and the tail enders in just over thirty-five minutes after starting . All swimmers were helped from the water by Billy Hancock and John Liversage from the Royal Marines Association and welcomed ashore by the Mayor of Wirral Councillor Jerry Williams who spoke movingly about the bravery , dedication , and commitment of the swimmers to take on such a challenge .
He also praised the swimmers on behalf of the communities and charities that would benefit from the swimmers fundraising , including Liverpool Heartbeat , Split Perspectivz , Sam Jalloh Motivate Africa , Stick n ’ Step , Special Boat Service Association , Merseyside Sub Aqua Club , Wallasey Amateur Boxing Club , Maggie ’ s Cancer Support , The HIVE Birkenhead , The Paul Lavelle Foundation , tri-4-life , and the Lord Mayor Charities .
The mayor praised tri-4-life and the event organiser Liam Hanlon and his team for the level of professionalism shown in all aspects of safety , management , and control of the swim . He said it was testament to the diversity and inclusion of the event to see people of all sexes , ages and ability taking part , with the outstanding inclusiveness evident from the huge team hugs and smiles on the faces as they each arrived at the finish .
Liam would also like to thank Ruth Embleton from Wirral council , Joe Blythe from Peel Ports , Wirral Life Magazine for the media partnership , the staff at Mersey VTS for their support in the pre-event logistics and help on the day .
All swimmers who left Liverpool arrived safely at the Birkenhead slipway , greeted by Steve Mac of Merseytri , and Jack Crompton of the SBSA . Bright flags and enthusiastic supporters cheered along with the ‘ banging ’ tunes and personal profiles being read aloud by Liverpool Live Radio presenter Roy Basnett who did an outstanding job as MC and presenter .
Andrea Davies , Debbie Hanlon and Jac Puzanista counted the numbers as swimmers passed the finish to ensure all arrived home safe and sound . These included a diverse range of ages , gender , and backgrounds . Barbara Rigby was the oldest female to take part , and 84-year-old Joe Kerrigan , the oldest male , both true legends of the swim . Under 20 ’ s swimmers Eliza Radclyffe and Aiden Kearney were the youngest to take part this year .
All swimmers and support crews were presented with a sponsored goodie bag provided by the main event sponsor GLEN AFFRIC with their signature beer ‘ Bevvie Across the Mersey ’.
‘ King of the Mersey ’ and event Organiser Liam Hanlon also took part , notching up his twentieth successful crossing , and after a quick rest took charge of the medal ceremony alongside The Mayor and the various POD Captains . Chris Shaw from Wallasey REDCAPS received a standing ovation for his selfless dedication in helping others to aspire to achieving their goal of conquering the Mighty River Mersey . Thanks also to POD leaders : Joe Fennelly , Sue Ennis , Steve McHugh , Mike Inger , Timathy Hemmings , John Sloan , Mike Lisle , Lisa Corkhill , and all others that managed the safety of the swim and safe passage for their teams .
A special thanks was also paid to Ray and Diane Hanlon for their time and effort in restoring the Ken O ’ Toole Across Mersey Swim Memorial bench .
For more information about supporting or taking part in this historic & Iconic swim , contact Liam at liam . hanlon @ theforshawgroup . com .
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