Jersey triathlete to honour islanders at games

Claire Forbes will represent the island at the opening ceremony

Jersey's Island Games flag bearer said she would be remembering two well-known Jersey athletes when she competes.

Claire Forbes is set to represent the island at the opening ceremony before racing in the triathlon.

Ms Forbes and the rest of the triathlon team will be honouring Lily McGarry, who lost her limbs after an infection, and Louise Bracken-Smith who died from cancer.

"I'm completely honoured to be the flag bearer of these games," she said.

"I'm representing Jersey both as a triathlete and as the flag bearer," she added. "It's a fabulous honour."

Lily McGarry lost her limbs after she developed sepsis

Lily McGarry, a 23-year-old medical student from Jersey, had all four limbs amputated after her flu-like symptoms turned into septic shock.

Louise Bracken-Smith, who competed in triathlon events for Great Britain and Ireland, died of cancer in 2023.

Ms Forbes said she was representing the island with both of them very much in her thoughts.

"To be honest, when it starts getting tough out there, whether it's going to be the cold sea or the windy roads, I will be thinking of Lily and Louise," she said.

"We're racing as a team with Lou in our hearts and Lily on our chests.

"Two exceptional women, Lily McGarry and Lou Bracken-Smith, who have shown incredible courage and grace in the face of adversity."