An open sea swimmer, who was rescued by the Sligo Bay RNLI just over 2 weeks ago, is calling on people to support the charity's annual Christmas appeal.
The RNLI - similar to many charities - has seen a significant drop in income this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as traditional fundraising activities had to be cancelled.
Yet despite restrictions, lifeboat crews continued to respond to emergency situations at sea, bringing hundreds of people to safety.
Among them was Orla Nicholson from Calry in Sligo, who was one of four experienced open sea swimmers who got into difficulty off Rosses Point on Sunday 22nd November.
Orla and her three friends were enjoying a regular swim when sea conditions changed and they got caught in a swell.
The lifeboat and Coastguard helicopter came to their assistance, and Orla is now asking people to make a donation to the RNLI this Christmas, to help continue their vital work.
