1st April 2025: Water Babies, Ireland’s number one baby and toddler swim school, is making a big splash with the launch of Splashathon 2025! This exciting fundraiser will help to raise vital funds for Children’s Health Foundation, supporting the incredible work of Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght, and Connolly.
Photo: Jenny Callanan Photography.
Children’s Health Foundation raises vital funds to support sick children and their families in Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres – from funding vital life-saving equipment, providing essential patient and parental supports to making ground-breaking paediatric research possible.
Water Babies is calling on little swimmers and their parents across Ireland to dive in and make a difference for sick children and their families during this year’s Splashathon — a fun-filled sponsored swim happening from 7th to 13 April 2025
In Water Babies classes nationwide, little swimmers will take on a special swimming challenge tailored to their age and ability — all while dressed as their favourite superhero for an action-packed themed lesson. Want to join the fun or make a donation? Head over to https://www.waterbabies.ie/
Carol McNally, Water Babies, Ireland said: “At Water Babies, our Splashathon fundraiser isn’t just about fun in the pool — it’s about making waves for a great cause! This year, we’re thrilled to support Children’s Health Foundation, helping to change the lives of sick children across Ireland. Since splashing onto the scene in Ireland 16 years ago, we’ve raised over €220,000 for children’s charities — and we couldn’t be prouder. Together, we’re proving that little swimmers can make a big difference!”
Nessa O’Reilly, Head of Strategic Giving, Children’s Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Water Babies is once again hosting Splashathon in support of Children’s Health Foundation. By participating in Splashathon, you and your family will not only be part of an exciting swimming challenge but also play a key role in making a meaningful difference to the lives of sick children and their families across Ireland. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure every sick child has everything they need to fight illness and injury”
Dublin football player Philly McMahon is also supporting Water Babies
Siobhan O’Hagan founder of the Self Improvement Project and Water Babies Mam is delighted to be involved in Water Babies Splashathon: “As Mam to Cadhla, I’m delighted to support this campaign. Children’s Health Foundation has had such a positive impact on so many families across Ireland. Since becoming a Mum, it has brought home to me the incredible care and support they provide.”
Many little Water Babies have spent time in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly, and are thriving now at their Water Babies classes, so we truly appreciate all the great work the hospitals do.
Lillie & Lennie’s Story
Child: Lennie Weldon (8 months)
Mum: Ellen O’Neill
Location: Roganstown, Swords
Ellen O’Neill’s son Lennie started swimming with Water Babies a few months ago and absolutely loves his weekly swim with teacher Andrea in Roganstown. Ellen’s connection to Splashathon is deeply personal — her daughter Lillie, who was born at the start of Covid, tragically passed away in a garden accident in October 2022, aged just two and a half.
Temple Street staff fought to save Lillie’s life, and their incredible care left a lasting impression on Ellen and her family. In 2023, Ellen raised over €38,500 for Temple Street by running the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in her daughter’s memory. Now, through Water Babies Splashathon, her family continues to honour Lillie by raising vital funds for sick children and their families.
Mason’s Story
Child: Mason Kelly (3 years)
Mum: Emma McCabe
Location: The Clayton, Dublin
At just two years old, Mason suffered severe burns in a hot tea accident, requiring urgent hospital care. Thanks to the quick response of paramedics and the exceptional care at hospital, Mason made a full recovery with no lasting scars.
Emma and Mason are taking part in Water Babies Splashathon to show their appreciation for the incredible hospital staff who cared for him during that frightening time.
Aoife’s Story
Child: Aoife (2 years)
Mum: Rebecca Doyle
Location: Castleknock, Junction 6
Aoife who has just turned 2 years, has been swimming with Water Babies since she was a baby and absolutely loves her Saturday swims. But outside the pool, Aoife has faced multiple health challenges, suffering from febrile seizures which have led to four hospital visits.
Each time, the staff at Temple Street provided expert care and vital reassurance for Rebecca and her family. Taking part in Water Babies Splashathon is their way of giving back to the hospital teams who were there during their toughest moments.
Barra’s Story
Child: Barra O’Brien (4 years)
Mum: Sandra O’Brien
Location: Water Babies, Dublin
Sandra, a Water Babies teacher herself, has seen first-hand the lifesaving care provided by Crumlin Hospital. Her son Barra was born tiny at 5.2 lbs and faced pneumonia, a heart murmur, and ultimately the discovery of a hole in his heart (VSD).
In April 2024, Barra underwent a five-hour open-heart surgery, where doctors also repaired a second heart condition. Waking up to tubes, wires, and stitches was overwhelming, and learning to eat and walk again was a monumental challenge. And just eight weeks later, Barra was back in the pool at Water Babies, showing the strength of a true superhero!
Sandra and her family are forever grateful to the team at Crumlin and are proud to support Water Babies Splashathon to help other children and families facing similar challenges.
Meg Heslin – Sam’s Story
Location: Cork
Child: Sam William Forde (7 months)
Child: Sam William Forde (7 months)
In January 2024, baby Sam’s routine checkup revealed a serious heart condition — severe Aortic Stenosis and Coarctation — requiring urgent open-heart surgery.
With a 15% mortality risk, it was every parent’s worst nightmare. But thanks to the extraordinary care and compassion from the team at Crumlin Hospital, Sam’s surgery was a success. Now, he’s thriving and can’t wait to get back to his Water Babies classes.
Meg and her family are supporting Water Babies Splashathon to thank Crumlin for saving their little boy and to help other children receive the same world-class care.