Swimmer with MND to attempt two world records in one day in two different countries

Mark O’Brien, who is a citizen of both Ireland and the UK, was diagnosed with MND in March 2022.

A swimmer with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) will attempt two Guinness World Records in one day and in two different countries next month.

On September 1, Mark O’Brien will tackle two swim sprint challenges, one in Ireland and one in the UK, to become the record holder for the fastest swims for someone with MND.

The 55-year-old, who is a citizen of both Ireland and the UK, was diagnosed with MND in March 2022. Since then, he has made it his mission to make a difference with the time he has left, and he has vowed to “never give up until his last breath.” 

Mark’s first attempt will be a 50m freestyle swim in Luton. This will kick off at 8.50am at Inspire Luton Sports Village, where he is hoping to beat a time of 38.92 seconds.

From there, Mark will travel to Ireland where his second attempt will be a 100m freestyle swim at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin at 4.30pm. Here, Mark needs to beat a time of one minute, 39.88 seconds. 

This is not the first time that Mark has challenged himself to such a degree. This time last year, he previously set the world record for the longest non-stop, unaided open water swim by a person with MND, with a distance of 11km.

He was inspired by the likes of Rob Burrow and Alex Gibson to raise awareness and encourage increased funding for MND charities. And even with his condition deteriorating, Mark is still determined to make a difference.

He hopes his legacy will show his children that “even when life seems impossible, perseverance can make the impossible possible”. "Having been diagnosed with MND, a terminal illness that affects the brain, muscles, and nerves, leading to respiratory failure, I've faced immense challenges.

With my family, friends, and support from the MND associations in the UK and Ireland, and the charity Challenging MND, I've emerged from the darkest time of my life.

“My mission now is to highlight the mental health impact of terminal illness and the positive effects of challenging oneself,” he said.

Commenting on Mark’s newest venture, CEO of Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Kevin Burn, said: “We are inspired by Mark and his courage and determination to continue to challenge himself like this — to take on two Guinness World Record attempts in one day is something, but in two different countries in the same day is just incredible.

“We are extremely grateful to Mark for all he is doing for the MND communities in Ireland and the UK not just in terms of fundraising but also awareness — getting people to take notice by doing something truly remarkable.” 

All funds raised will be equally distributed between The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, The UK Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), and Challenging MND.

Donations are welcome via Mark’s GiveWheel fundraising page.