83-year-old will take a dip in a lake in all 32 counties for MND charity

The challenge, entitled 'Ducking and Diving around the lakes of Ireland for the IMNDA,' is expected to take six weeks to complete, and will span all 32 counties.

An 83-year-old Donegal man will take a dip in a lake in every county in Ireland in order to raise awareness around Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Paddy Conaghan's challenge is expected to take around six weeks to complete.

This is Mr Conaghan's third consecutive year taking on this challenge for different charities, and this year, all funds raised will go towards people living with MND and their families.

Mr Conaghan began the challenge on Sunday, January 7 at Loch Eamhnaigh on Arranmore Island, and took on Lough Gill in Co Leitrim on Monday for day two, coinciding with his 83rd birthday.

Paddy Conaghan's challenge, entitled 'Ducking and Driving around the lakes of Ireland for IMNDA', is expected to take around six weeks to complete.

His journey took him to Sligo on Tuesday, and he plans on visiting Achill on Wednesday, followed by Mayo on Thursday.

Commenting on undertaking the challenge again, Mr Conaghan said: “I am thrilled to once again take on this exciting challenge, swimming across the many lakes dotting the landscape of our 32 counties, all in support of the IMNDA. 

It won’t be easy, it’s bitterly cold, but the generosity and support of donors and well-wishers spurs me on and enables us to make a real difference in the lives of those battling MND.” 

The challenge invites supporters and well-wishers to join Mr Conaghan at various lakes across the country to cheer him on as he takes the plunge.

His journey and progress can be followed on his Facebook page where details of his next swims are posted daily.