Burlington YMCA lifeguard swims for local charity | News

EDGEWOOD, KY (FOX19) - An Edgewood man is using his lifeguard training as a unique way to raise money for a local charity.

Pat Murphey, 54, import supervisor at BDP International, and part-time lifeguard at the R.C. Durr YMCA in Burlington, came up with a way to raise money for the Ys Annual Support Campaign. Murphey decided to swim over 27 miles in a single month. 

“I swam for pledges,” said Murphey, who usually logs less than half of that each month.  “It was difficult to push myself to the 27 mile mark, but I know that the Y can help lots of kids and families with the pledges I’ve collected.”

Murphey raised over $1,600 to help fund life-changing programs that help thousands of children, adults, and families in the Greater Cincinnati area learn, grow, and thrive.  “One in five people who use the Y receive some type of financial support,” said YMCA of Greater Cincinnati President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy Walker.  “All the money raised in the Annual Support Campaign directly benefits those who need help the most, in the area’s of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.” 

Murphey said he is proud of his 27-mile accomplishment.  “I’ve always been supportive of the Ys efforts to strengthen families,” he said.  In addition to his twice a week early morning lifeguard duties, Murphey is a long time youth basketball coach and referee.  “When you do good things, good things come back to you,” he said.

For more information about contributing to the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Annual Support Campaign, visit the website www.MyY.org or call (513) 362-YMCA.