A Journey Inspired by the Ocean
Holly Monson, a 30-year-old woman from Co Down, has shared how the story of a stranded whale pod on a Donegal beach inspired her to take on one of the most challenging swims in the world. This year, she will be part of the North Channel swim, which takes place between Donaghadee and Portpatrick. The event is known for its difficulty and attracts swimmers from around the globe.
The North Channel swim is a marathon that typically occurs between July and September. It is renowned for its cold water temperatures, which range from 11 to 14 degrees Celsius. Swimmers also have to navigate through areas where hundreds of Lion’s Mane jellyfish are present. Despite these challenges, the swim remains a popular choice for those seeking to test their endurance and connection with the sea.
Holly was inspired to take on this challenge after learning about the work of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). The group played a crucial role in helping seven bottlenose whales that were stranded at Rossnowlagh in Co Donegal in 2020. This was the largest live stranding in Ireland’s history. Holly recalls how her friend’s brother described the experience of trying to help one of the whales, which looked at him with a level of humanity that left a lasting impression.
“I just felt so passionately that we need more funding for things like this,” Holly said. “If that group doesn’t help, it’s just locals. That group is so professional about how they do it and they try and make the animals feel as comfortable as possible when they’re trying to relocate them.”
In addition to supporting the IWDG, Holly will also be raising funds for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust in Scotland. Her commitment to marine life 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. She has always dreamed of taking on the famous marathon route, which is considered one of the most difficult big swims in the world. She explained that the group often looks after the swimmers who come from all over the world during the summer season.
“It was 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 deepened Holly’s 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 ahead of the race, Holly has been more preoccupied with getting things organized for her best friend’s wedding, which took place just days before her window for the swim opened. Her best friend has 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.”
