by Louise Doyle
INSPIRED by Charlie Bird’s climb of Croagh Patrick as he battles Motor Neurone Disease (MND), an Arranmore pensioner is preparing to take on a New Year challenge to raise money for those with the condition.
Paddy Conaghan captured the hearts of everyone at home and around the world when the 82-year-old took on an epic ‘ducking and driving’ challenge throughout Ireland to raise funds for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope.
Impressively, he raised more than €100,000 for the local counselling service set up to help children from the age of five and young adults in the Rosses.
Now, the selfless octogenarian is preparing for a new challenge in support of another worthy cause.
Paddy will take a dip in 32 lakes and two islands around the country’s four provinces in a bid to raise money for MND.
Speaking to the Donegal News this week, Paddy described Charlie Bird, a former journalist and broadcaster, as “inspirational”, following his climb of Croagh Patrick on April 2, 2022.
The ‘Climb with Charlie’ event sparked a huge outpouring of people nationwide gathering to ‘walk with Charlie’ in their own localities. In Donegal, hundreds of people climbed Errigal.
“I was looking at Charlie Bird climb Croagh Patrick and I was so inspired by what he did. I have decided that I will try to swim a lake in every county to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease.
“I’m starting in Arranmore on New Year’s Day, and from there I will go to Connacht, Munster, Leinster and then Ulster, covering the four provinces of Ireland. I will swim 32 lakes and two islands in all. I’ll run in and do a dip in each river and put my head under the water for 10 to 15 seconds.”
Every the optimistic, Paddy said he did not foresee the challenge posing any problems for him.
“I don’t think it will be too hard. I’ve been training for the last few months, and I feel ready to take it on. When you do something for charity you’re not going to quit,” he said.
Paddy, who will turn 83 on January 8, won’t be on his own on his latest venture as Banbridge-based photographer and co-founder of the WildSwim Ireland website, Paul McCambridge will be accompanying him and documenting Paddy’s progress.
Paul directed ‘Man of Arran’, a 20-minute short film touching on the life of Paddy and his joy of open water swimming. It has been enjoying various screenings in Cumbria and is to be shown in Chicago.
People wishing to make a donation to Paddy’s latest venture will be able to do so in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out on Instagram and GoFundMe.
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