Almost €40k raised for Autism Heroes

TWO Olympic swimmers joined a 24-hour sponsored swimathon at Graiguecullen Swimming Pool to raise vital funds for swimming lessons for autistic children, with the event raising around €38,000 for Autism Heroes.

The fundraising marathon ran from 5pm on Saturday at weekend, with Irish Olympians Danielle Hill and Erin Riordan lending their support to the cause. Ms Riordan, who represented Ireland in the women’s 4×100m freestyle relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics, completed the final hour of the swim. Louise Moran, founder of Autism Heroes, organised the event to fund heavily subsidised one-to-one swimming lessons.

“Autistic children are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers. So that alone is what motivates me to try and keep going,” said Ms Moran. “They deserve to have the same opportunities as every other child.” The funds raised will enable families to access swimming lessons for just €80 in total – approximately €10 per lesson – making them affordable for families who might otherwise be unable to afford them. The lessons require exclusive pool access to create an appropriate, low-stimulation environment for the children.

Ms Hill spent most of Sunday at the pool, while Ms Riordan completed the final hour. Ms Moran praised both swimmers’ generosity, particularly noting Hill’s kindness to her son.

“Danielle drove down from Belfast on Saturday night after she finished work. She was in the pool by 9am and spent the whole day there,” Ms Moran said. “My own son and Danielle had the best time together. She was so, so kind to him.” The event raised over €38,000, with more donations expected. She said the total as “double what our target was.”

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Louise Moran- Burnett (founder Autism Heroes) is shown with her husband Mick and son Oisín and Olympian Danielle Hill

Danielle Hill (Olympian and silver and gold medalist in the European Championship in Begrade) is shown with Oisín Moran-Burnett