A STUNNING video has been released chronicling Arranmore pensioner Paddy Conaghan’s Ducking and Driving challenge.
The 82-year-old got back into the water in December to embark on his second chilly charity mission.
His original plunge which took him to ports and piers the entire circumference of the island raised over €112,000 for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope.
Paddy’s efforts and dedication have captured hearts and imaginations all over the world as he stops to chat to people and hear their stories of loss, of struggle and of hope.
It was while handing over the cheque to Gemma’s Legacy of Hope that the brave pensioner made the surprise announcement that he was pulling on his swimming shorts again.
Rather than going along the same route as before this time Paddy has headed north, up around the Donegal coast and over across Portrush and Portstewart before travelling down the far side of the island.
The new video, titled ‘Don’t Let the Old Man In’ and created by MAC Visual Media, sees Paddy in action but also hears from him about why he does what he does.
According to the video’s creators, “Paddy from the outside may seem like your average pensioner, but in following his journey we soon realised not all is what it seems.
“Paddy was born on the small island of Arranmore and now, at the age of 82, has embarked on a mission to raise funds and most importantly awareness for mental health.
“His challenge sees him attempting to swim at every beach on the Island of Ireland over a four month period.
Paddy taking an ice bath in preparation for a dip in the wild Atlantic.
“Adding to the difficulty he also decided to do this during the winter, braving Ireland’s notorious cold and unpredictable weather conditions.
“When asked why he picked the winter to do this challenge and not the summer, Paddy replied ‘If I do it in the summer it’s only a holiday’.
“As we travel with him, we learn about the many life experiences that have brought him from humble beginnings and a lust for adventure to this challenge, as he revisits these memories with stories. Some humorous, some sad and others bordering legality.
Paddy ready for action.
“Please come and join with us on a journey where we learn what motivates Paddy to even attempt such a monumental task.
“Paddy is living proof that you’re only as old as you feel…it sums up Toby Keith’s song title ‘Don’t Let the Old Man In’, inspired by Clint Eastwood’s quote.”
YOU CAN WATCH MAC VISUAL MEDIA’S VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYyuygcFEEo
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