A Portadown man is “swimming against breast cancer” this June with a 13k solo continuous sea swim from Aughinish to Salthill in Galway.
Behind the attempt is Portadown-born Research and Development Engineer, Conan Power, who in the last two years has made Galway his home after moving for work with globally recognised biotechnology and biomedical engineering firm, Boston Scientific.
His workplace recently made the National Breast Cancer Research Institute in Ireland (NBCRI) their charity partner for the year – and Conan knew immediately he wanted to do something to help raise funds.
Speaking to Armagh I, Conan explained why the charity is so close to his heart: “My family have experience with breast cancer. My auntie, who was my godmother, died with breast cancer and it will be her 20 year anniversary this month.
“My other aunties are also in and out of treatment so once I realised my work were the new partner I wanted to do something.”
The young athlete has an impressive endurance training background, having completed an Ironman last October, several Ultramarathons and triathlons and spending his summers growing up surfing in Rossnowlagh, Donegal.
His time spent working as a lifeguard in Cascades swimming pool, Portadown and – following its closure – South Lake Leisure Centre also adds to his experience off land.
Nonetheless, Conan admits that through it all, this fundraiser might possibly be the “toughest thing I’ve done so far”.
He said: “I am hoping to complete it in six hours but it just depends on the conditions that day. It could end up being shorter than 13k or it could end up being longer. I should have the distance in me alright. It’s just the cold water.”
In the last few weeks, while training, Conan had a slight scare with hypothermia. And, he’s not willing to take that risk again.
For this effort he will be wearing a wetsuit, and while he says that “should help” with the body temperature he also shared a slight concern about the jellyfish!
A safety crew has been booked between the dates of June 19 and 23 to allow Conan to complete his swim on a fair weather day of his choosing.
If he touches the boat, however, it will not be an “official swim” and so he’s taking every precaution to give himself the best opportunity of completing his challenge without the need for assistance.
All funds raised will go directly to NBCRI in loving memory of Conan’s aunt, Colette Dinsmore.
Click here to make a donation to Conan’s ‘Swimming against breast cancer’ fundraiser.
