Community-driven local charity, Foyle Search and Rescue, is delighted to have been confirmed as the official charity partner of the upcoming firmus energy City of Derry triathlon for the third year running.
Deemed the fourth emergency service in the City, Foyle Search and Rescue works to preserve life in and around the River Foyle, and has saved the lives of more than 2500 people in distress since it was set-up in 1993. Through this charity partnership with the triathlon, over the last two years, Foyle Search and Rescue has received around £3000 and hopes this will rise to £5000 following this year’s event.
Donation makes a huge difference
Yvonne Kennedy, fundraising co-ordinator for Foyle Search and Rescue explained: “We are delighted to be the official charity partner and are extremely grateful to the North West Triathlon Club and firmus energy for their continued support. The donation makes a huge difference.
“We are partially funded by Derry City Council and the Public Health Agency but with basic running costs averaging over £135,000 per year, we have to look at other ways to raise money to support our work. With outgoings such as insurance, fuel for boats, jet skis and vehicles, heat, power, maintenance of boats, vehicles, training costs, fundraising events and partnerships such as this one are vital funding streams for us and we simply couldn’t provide the level of service necessary without them.”
Educate people about water safety
Set-up by community members just over 20 years ago in response to the alarmingly high number of drownings in the river, 30 within 18 months, the charity has since expanded its role to also work to prevent suicide, support affected families in the area and educate people about water safety.
Yvonne added: “Our volunteers patrol the river on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 9.30pm to 3.00am, which have been identified as peak times of need, and engage with people in distress, maintain lifebelts and save lives. The charity also has an Emergency Response Team, made up of 15 experienced volunteers, who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to potential suicide attempts, missing people and incidents in and around the river outside of patrol hours.
“To date, our charity has stopped 2568 potential suicides, rescued over 316 people directly from the water and sadly, we have also recovered 126 bodies, ensuring at all times everyone is treated with dignity.”
Vital importance to the community
Angeline Murphy, from firmus energy, commented: “It is clear, even from the statistics alone, that the service provided by Foyle Search and Rescue is of vital importance to the community. Linking with the charity for this event allows them to raise much-needed funds and to spread awareness about their work.
firmus energy triathlon will take place on Sunday 14 June
“The triathlon will take place on Sunday 14 June but on the Thursday before that, 11 June, we will be holding a trial swim for those wanting to get some practice in the water before the big day. Volunteers will be out on this evening collecting donations from participants and spectators, and the charity will also receive a percentage of the registration fees for the main triathlon – so the more people that take part, the greater support will be provided to Foyle Search and Rescue. People also have the opportunity to raise sponsorship for the event and I know the local charity would be delighted if people took part in the triathlon on their behalf.
“I hope that everyone involved enjoys the day and they can compete, safe in the knowledge that the dedicated volunteers from Foyle Search and Rescue will also be close by to help should any assistance be required.”
For more information or to take part in the triathlon, a National Series event, on Sunday 14 June, visit www.firmusenergyderrycitytriathlon.com. If you are interested competing in support of Foyle Search and Rescue or would be able to spare some time to become a fundraising volunteer for the charity, please email the team on fsrfundraising@gmail.com.
