Young Leitrim woman leads Christmas Day swim for Gaza Appeal

A Leitrim woman is taking on a cold swim in Glenade Lake on Christmas Day to raise funds for the Irish Red Cross Gaza Appeal.

This will be the second Christmas swim for nineteen-year-old Rhianna Nealis from Kinlough, who completed one last year with her family, raising over €500 for North West Hospice.

She is now organising a community-wide swim and has set up a fundraising page on iDonate. “Since there has never been a Christmas Day swim in Glenade, I thought why not start one myself? I feel like it is a good way to bring people together while supporting a cause that really needs attention,” said Rhianna.

She said the humanitarian situation in Gaza has been “heartbreaking to witness,” motivating her to support the Irish Red Cross Gaza Appeal. “The Irish Red Cross has a strong reputation for getting aid to where it’s needed most, and their Gaza Appeal is providing essential medical and emergency support. It’s a small thing I can do from afar to try to help or at the very least, raise awareness,” she explained.

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The swim will take place on Christmas Day at 11am, and Rhianna said everyone is welcome. “A few people have already said that they’re joining in and more have shown interest as word spreads around the village. The more the merrier whether people want to get in the water or simply come along to support and watch from the ‘warmth’ of the pier,” she added.

Having braved Glenade Lake last Christmas and being no stranger to an occasional dip, Rhianna noted that the cold shock is something you never truly adjust to. “Still, it’s a challenge that’s very rewarding,” she said.

Ultimately, she hopes the event will bring people together while highlighting a cause she cares deeply about. “Even small communities can make a big difference, and it doesn’t even have to be some big, frilly event. If a small village in North Leitrim can rally together to support people on the other side of the world, that’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity,” said Rhianna.

Rhianna’s fundraiser for the Irish Red Cross Gaza Appeal can be found on iDonate here.

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