Over 50 islanders braved the weather to take part in a fundraising sea swim this week in aid of a former triathlete who recently became a quadruple amputee.
On Tuesday evening, Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club members and friends took part in the ‘Swim for Lily’ at St Catherine’s Breakwater
The event was organised in support of former JCG student Lily McGarry, who had all four limbs amputated earlier this year after contracting meningococcal septicaemia.
The 24-year-old recently moved out of intensive care and is now focusing on rehabilitation.
Money raised from this week’s swim will add to what has now become a massive fundraising pot of over £400,000 to support the costs of physiotherapy and prosthetics for Lily.
Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club member Billie Cave, who is a family friend of Lily, organised the fundraising event.
She said: “Mother Nature certainly threw some curve balls, but despite the weather conditions over 50 people attended.”
Billie explained that the “lumpy sea conditions” meant that the Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club’s first evening swim of 2025 could not go ahead.
“However, those that wished to enter the water, had a little dip and bob around the boats, after recording a happy birthday message for Lily,” she said.
“We then enjoyed a tasty supper provided by Pauline, Mike and the staff at St Catherine’s Breakwater Cafe.”
The event raised over £500 for Lily’s fundraising page.
Billie added: “A huge thank you to everybody that attended, including representatives from the Jersey Tri Club and Jersey Aquatic Rescue Club.”
WATCH…
@bailiwickexpress Swim for Lily was hosted by the JLDSC in aid and support of quadruple amputee, Lily McGarry🤍 #JerseyChannelIslands #jersey #channelislands #journalism ♬ Free Style – Kerei
DONATE…
You can donate to Lily’s fundraising page online.
Her family would like to use their experience to raise awareness of sepsis and the signs to look out for. You can find out more at www.sepsistrust.org.
Lily’s family has asked the public to avoid contacting her directly so early on her recovery journey.
