WATER baby Eloise Lane, from Castleknock, helped launch a baby and toddler sponsored swim to raise funds for Children's Medical & Research Foundation (CMRF) in Crumlin.
The Water Babies Splashathon began on April 1 and runs until Sunday, April 14. It aims to support CMRF and join all the parents, families, doctors, nurses and scientists who are fighting to protect and save children from childhood illness.
Water baby Eloise was born with a very special heart, with only half of it functioning. She is 14-months-old and has already battled her way through five keyhole surgeries as well as open-heart surgery at Crumlin Hospital.
Eloise loves swimming and her mum, Michaela, who brought her along to the event launch, hopes that her classes at Water Babies will be the start of a lifelong love of water for her.
Carol McNally of Water Babies Ireland said the Splashathon is a “fun, splashy way” to make a real and lasting difference to children across Ireland.
“We’re very proud to have raised over €120,000 for children’s charities since we launched in Ireland 10 years ago,” she added.
“Our Water Babies and their amazing mums and dads will be doing whatever it takes during this year’s Water Babies Splashathon to help get sick children back out to play.”
Sarah Joyce, Head of Corporate Partners for CMRF Crumlin, said there was a heavy dependency on public donations and corporate partnerships to tackle childhood illness.
“We’re delighted to continue the partnership with Water Babies, to continue to raise vital funds for some of Ireland’s sickest children,” she stated.
Crumlin Hospital ambassador, Eimear Considine, from Ireland’s women’s rugby team, supported the launch of Water Babies Splashathon fundraiser by taking a dip with Water Babies’ pupils and teachers at St John of God’s swimming pool in Islandbridge.
“I’m delighted to be involved with this campaign,” she said.
“CMRF Crumlin has had such a positive impact on so many families and communities across Ireland and it has a very special place in my heart.”
Under the theme of ‘Céad Míle Splashes’, over 5,000 babies and toddlers will take part in the national sponsored swim.
To donate to the Water Babies Splashathon Fund, log onto www.idonate.ie/waterbabies