Some 12 months ago we were contacted by a Garda who proposed the idea that he and his 12 colleagues would row across the Irish Sea to raise funds in support of Chris Byrne (the husband of their garda colleague) who at the time was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. They hoped to raise €50,000.

However, only a short time later, Chris sadly passed away but the team were determined to continue on with the challenge which became known as The Chris Crossing.

The team of 12 gardai along with Chris's brother Eugene rowed from Holyhead to Dublin port in June 2016 and their total fundraising for the National Neurosurgical Centre now rests at an amazing €116,000.

The Chris Crossing's incredible effort was acknowledged by the Garda members at the annual Coiste Siamsa Awards in Cork where they received the Special Contribution Award from their garda colleagues.

Huge congratulations and thanks to Caroline, Johnny and all the members of the Chris Crossing team.