Baby Daisy raises thousands for children's charity

WATER Babies baby and toddler swim school, have announced the fundraising efforts of 20-month-old Limerick baby Daisy Hughes, who raised €2,143.10 for the Children's Health Foundation.

At Water Babies classes around the country, children completed a sponsored swimming challenge suitable for their age and ability, all while being dressed up as their favourite superhero in a specially-themed lesson.

Born prematurely at just 23 weeks, weighing a mere one pound, Daisy, from Limerick, began her journey at hospitals in Dublin, spending six months in the care of the Coombe and Crumlin medical teams.

Despite facing numerous health challenges, including resuscitation, multiple surgeries, infections, and organ complications, Daisy has defied all odds, and with the help of her Water Babies teacher Yvonne, has come to love swimming. The little girl attends Water Babies at St Gabriel’s in Limerick.

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Carol McNally of Water Babies Ireland, expressed her admiration for the children who took part in the challenge, stating: “Our little swimmers and their families have been tremendous fundraisers.

“We are so proud to support Children’s Health Foundation with this year’s Splashathon and we’re very pleased to have raised over €215,000 for children’s charities since Water Babies launched in Ireland 14 years ago.”

“Many little Water Babies including Daisy Hughes, have spent time in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly, and are thriving now at their Water Babies classes, so we truly appreciate all the great work they do,” added Carol.

With the kindness of thousands of “little swimmers” and their families, €90,000 has been raised across Ireland during the Water Babies Splashathon.