Ducking & driving for Gemma's Legacy of Hope

Hi my name is Elaine and my friend Paddy (Ann) Conaghan is taking on a massive challenge on the 4th December.

Paddy is 80 years of age, he is living in Arranmore Island, and he is the most determined and fittest man I know . Paddy is going to start his swim at Aphort beach and will travel all around the coast of Ireland, ducking & diving in every port/beach he comes to. He will continue all the way through the festive season until he reaches his final destination. He is doing this to raise awareness for mental health and all the money he raises will go to Gemma's Legacy of Hope, a local counselling service set up to help children from the age of 5, young adults and adults across the life course in the Rosses, Co. Donegal. Paddy has been training all year for this, he has swam everyday since the 1st January in all kinds of weather and is well able for the challenge. He bought a van & all the equipment he needs, so he is ready to go, exciting times ahead.

Gemma's legacy of Hope is an amazing service on our doorstep. Covid has had an impact on all of us, and we will not see the true effect it has had for a number of years yet. More than ever, mental health needs to be promoted & this service greatly needs our help to continue its incredible work.

 

 

You can follow Paddy's adventure on Facebook page, Ducking & Driving around Ireland for Gemma's legacy of Hope. Each day he will send me a video and I will upload it and let people know where he is and where he will hope to be the next day so that if people are around they can join him for a wee swim. Swimming is a fantastic sport for your mental health and well-being. Swimming and water sports has really taken off this year, so I have no doubt he will have plenty of followers.

We would greatly appreciate anything you can give us, big or small, we will take it all.

Thank you for your support.

 

Best Wishes

Paddy (Ann) & Elaine Barney