A Journey Inspired by the Ocean
Holly Monson, a 30-year-old woman from Co Down, has shared how a heartwarming story of a stranded whale pod on a Donegal beach sparked her determination to take on a challenging 14-hour swim to Scotland. This year, she is among several swimmers attempting the renowned North Channel swim, which takes place between Donaghadee and Portpatrick. The marathon swim draws participants from around the globe, with most choosing to tackle the route between July and September.
The North Channel is known for its cold temperatures, typically ranging between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius. Swimmers also face the challenge of navigating through hundreds of Lion’s Mane jellyfish along the route. For Holly, the decision to take on this daunting swim was fueled by a deep passion for marine life conservation.
Her inspiration came after learning about the work of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), which played a crucial role in aiding a beached whale pod in 2020. The IWDG helped care for seven bottlenose whales that were stranded at Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal—the largest live stranding in Ireland’s history. Holly recalls how her friend’s brother described the moment one of the whales “looked at him” in the eye, displaying a level of humanity that left a lasting impression.
“It’s from that experience, really, that I learned about that charity and I have always wanted to do something for them,” she said. “I just felt so passionately that we need more funding for things like this, because if that group doesn’t help, it’s just locals.”
In addition to supporting the IWDG, Holly will also be raising funds for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust in Scotland. Her commitment to ocean conservation has been a driving force behind her decision to take on the North Channel swim.
Holly has been swimming with the Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers group for the past seven years. However, this year marks her first attempt at the famous marathon route, which is considered one of the most difficult big swims in the world. She explained how the group often looks after the swimmers who come from around the world during the summer season.
“Things were just happening around me, not really taking much notice, just thinking, ‘Yeah, it would be really cool to swim the Channel one day’,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to do it for an ocean-based charity. I really care a lot about animals.”
Sea swimming has had a profound impact on Holly, deepening her connection with the nation and the ocean. “I am so in awe and in love and dedicated to protecting her,” she said. “I’m a completely different person—before I started swimming in the ocean, I was an absolute princess.”
While admitting she feels slightly nervous about the race, Holly said she has been more preoccupied with organizing her best friend’s wedding, which took place just days before her window for the swim opened. Her best friend has even postponed her honeymoon to cheer her on from the boat.
“I’m just really excited to be in the ocean all day,” she said. “It’s the best excuse in the world to just spend all day in the ocean with your best friend on the boat beside you and your swim buddies.”
