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THE ACROSS MERSEY SWIM – 28 YEARS OF ADVENTURE SWIMMING
This year ’ s annual Across Mersey Swim saw record numbers of swimmers taking part . Since its humble beginnings in 1993 , the award-winning Across Mersey Swim remains an iconic part of the river ’ s history .
This year ’ s event was organised by Liam Hanlon , the managing director of Knowsley-based The Forshaw Group and event director for Tri-4-life . The swim was supported by Liverpool Heartbeat , Wirral Life magazine , Love Lane Brewery and Alfa Advance , bringing a new energy to the community and charity festival-feel of this great swim .
Around 180 swimmers completed the showcase event , which bridges the city regions of Liverpool and Wirral across the mighty river . The event has been recognised as an outstanding contribution to leisure and tourism in the area , raising the international profile of the River Mersey and the communities that surround it .
Emerging from two years of COVID disruption , this year saw the return of many Mersey legends including Chris Carter , whose last Mersey swim was at the inaugural event 28 years ago . Recent solo Channel swimmers Steve McHugh , Martin Pritchard Howarth , and Helen Hislop were also in attendance .
Liam Hanlon completed his eighteenth successful river swim as ‘ King of the Mersey ’, swimming alongside his daughter Kiera Rose who first swan the Mersey nine years ago at aged 13 . 82-yearold veteran Joe Kerigan also had another successful swim , and 12-year-old Freya Doran was back to complete her second swim across the Mersey .
The swim has become something of a local community endeavour , with swimmers placed in pods with other people they have already been regularly swimming and training with , supported by pod leaders who vouch for swimmers ’ abilities and speed . Swimmers this year were required to stick with their pods during the briefing and entry into the water as well as during the swim .
Liam Hanlon congratulated everyone on an amazing year of outstanding commitment , performance and achievement . Liam said : “ Putting all the necessary permissions and procedures in place for the swim is getting easier as the year-on-year legacy of the event increases . Maintaining the safety and the consistency of the pre-qualification swims is the most important aspect of its success .
“ There was a different attitude among swimmers this year . People are increasingly recognising the importance of open water swimming for their mental and emotional health . We don ’ t advertise this swim but share details with local swimming groups via WhatsApp – and this year we had double the number of swimmers we usually do . The feedback I ’ ve received has been very encouraging .”
Swimmers were waved off in Liverpool and welcomed back with congratulations at Monks Ferry by The Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool , Councillor Roy Gladden . The 20 successful pods of swimmers were presented with their medals by Wirral ’ s first female physiotherapist and Channel Swimming hero Helen Hislop , with the medal ceremony taking place in torrential rain .
The swimmers and support team have raised around £ 5,000 for over 20 different local charities and good causes through the ‘ Adventure Swim Challenge of the Year ’. As with any adventure swimming event , it would not be possible without the help and support of the safety crews . A huge thanks goes to many volunteers that made this a safe and successful event , including both the on and offshore crews .
To get involved in the event next year or for further information , contact Liam Hanlon , Tri-4-life event director : 07966 529133 .
14 wirrallife . com