Riding for the Disabled - Causeway Coast & Glens

I can't walk it...so I'll swim it.

I will be swimming 100km around the Ards Coastline in distances all over the Marathon 10km swim to raise money for the RDA Causeway Coast and Glens and every donation will help.

This is my story:

7 years ago, I had a life-changing accident. Everything that I knew and had worked hard for was deleted in a matter of seconds, my identity!

I was stripped of my career, my hobbies, and most importantly, the ability to be the best Mummy that I had always dreamed of being.

I was a successful, adventurous, fun-loving, single mum, living in my happy bubble! Our life was great!! In a flash, my world was turned into just surviving each day. I was housebound for 2 years, and I spiraled into a dark place during this period. My Mother became my carer, she took over my role for my son, and RDA (Causeway Coast & Glens) stepped in and gave my beautiful horse (Tani the Wondermare), a new home. I was heartbroken, but so thankful!

I'm severely disabled. I'm not going into the gory details, but these are my chronic ill health issues:

It was during covid that a former colleague, Betty Orr, suggested I try bobbing in the sea, as my health was deteriorating. I was scared, but when you're at rock bottom, you'll try everything!!

Over the past 2 years, by fate, I've met inspirational people who have changed my frown upside down!

Sharlene Brown-Urry gave me one-to-one swimming lessons to correct my dodgy left arm, as I have no kick. Thank you !

Ger Kennedy- Ice Swimming Legend - my coach/friend/mentor could see that I had potential and has brought me into his incredibly supportive and caring swimming world, surrounded by legends of this sport...and it's all kicked off from there!

January 2023

IISA 5th Ice World Championships, Samoens -

3 golds

3 silvers

1st Para 250m relay team - Jonty Warneken, Tina Deeken, Patricia Hefferman and myself. We made history!! It was somewhat emotional!!

The IISA is the only association in open water in skins/swimming costume, that I've come across, who recognise Para swimmers - thank you IISA, especially Jonty Warneken!!

February 2023

1st Female Para (Cat 3...the most difficult) IISA Ice Mile - Lake Woerthersee, Austria

So what's next...I had a chat with Ger Kennedy about our next plan. I explained that I was envious seeing people walk our beautiful coastline and I couldn't! Could I swim it??

Ger was on it!! Within a day, he had worked out the route, taking into account all the accessibility difficulties, and we had a plan! Excited!!

1st swim - 18th May

Swim distance: 10.4km

Seapark/Holywood - Brompton Bay...Done, it was stunning!!

2nd swim - 25th May

Swim distance: 11.1km

Bangor Marina - Donaghadee...done, it really hurt!

3rd swim - 12th June

Swim distance: 13.7km

ILDSA ratified distance: 13.2km

Donaghdee - Ballywalter...done!

Fun: Zillions!! Had the most amazing people on this journey, I'm so grateful...so much fun!!

4th swim - 22nd June

Swim distance: 12.5km

Subject to official ILDSA ratification.

Ballywalter - Portavogie...done!

Fun: Loads and then none...bit scary and tough conditions

5th Swim - 24th August

Swim distance: 16.5km

Subject to official ILDSA ratification.

Portavogie - Port Kelly completed.

Fun: Lots...for the crew! Apologies for my potty mouth.

My dream is to swim the entire length of the Ards Peninsula (around 100km) in distances all over the Marathon 10km swim.

During these swims, I would like to invite local swimming groups to get in touch. Our mission is to encourage, support and give hope to others living with any form of physical/mental disability...in for a dip!! The health benefits of the sea are widely documented. The courage it takes to make the 1st step into the sea...is not documented!! We are here to help you!! Please get in touch !!

Throughout my ongoing journey, I would like to raise awareness and funds for RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association), because 7 years on, they are still taking care of Tani the Wondermare!! I am forever grateful for all the unpaid volunteers that give up their time to help others with disabilities. This organisation is a charity and any donation will make a difference!!

I will be adding future dates and locations of swims and would love local communities to get involved/come for a dip/walk along the coast as I'm swimming...just anything that can make someone smile!!

Thank you for reading my story and please feel free to get in touch via:

Nicola Doran FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/nicola.such

RDA Causeway Coast and Glens FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Riding-for-the-Disabled-Causeway-Coast-and-Glens/100089825810536/

Para V FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086750194821