W L
SOCIETY
31 ST ANNIVERSARY ACROSS MERSEY SWIM
The sunshine and calm seas of Saturday 10th August saw large crowds gathered at Monks Ferry slipway in Birkenhead to cheer as the 173 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-one 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 Liverpool Olympian John Hulley and words of tribute shared in recognition of his contribution to the city .
The swimmers were waved off by the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mr Mark Blundell , and Miss Liverpool Charlotte Grant , under the watchful eye of the swim safety boat team lead by Dave Parry & Jimmy Tinsley , The swim was also supported by fifteen volunteer RIB safety boats from local sailing , diving , and swimming clubs .
Thanks also to New Brighton Lifeboat , 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 thirty minutes and the tail enders in just over forty-five minutes after starting . All swimmers were helped from the water by Billy and Jack Hancock from the Royal Marines Association and welcomed ashore by the Mayor of Wirral Councillor Cherry Povall who spoke movingly about the bravery , dedication , and commitment of the swimmers to take on such a challenge .
She 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 respective 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 . She 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 , and the staff at Mersey VTS for their support in the pre-event logistics and help on the day . Our Liverpool safety team Colin Mike All swimmers who left Liverpool arrived safely at the Birkenhead slipway , greeted by Ray Harrington & Andy Thomas . 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 .
Thanks to our long term media partner Wirral Life Magazine , Debbie Hanlon , Liz Kirkham , Emily Gutteridge , Emmer Sneddon , and Helena Hanlon 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 86-year-old Joe Kerrigan , the oldest male , both true legends of the swim . Ten-year-old Florence Millward became the youngest swimmer ever to complete the swim supported by her dad Tom . . All swimmers and support crews were presented with a beer ‘ Bevvie Across the Mersey ’ from the main event sponsor GLEN AFFRIC and their signature beer .
‘ King of the Mersey ’ and event Organiser Liam Hanlon took charge of the medal ceremony alongside The Lord-Lieutenant , 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 the twenty other POD leaders that managed the safety of the swim and safe passage for their teams .
For more information about supporting or taking part in this historic & iconic swim , Contact Liam at liam . hanlon @ theforshawgroup . com or 07966529133 to find out more .
72 wirrallife . com