MARK O'BRIEN - TWO GUINNESS WORLD RECORD SWIM ATTEMPTS IN ONE DAY - LONDON 01 SEP 0850AM 50 M FREESTYLE, ~DUBLIN 430PM 100 M FREESTYLE - BOTH OFFICIAL GWR ATTEMPTS

VIDEO INTRODUCTION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6VL2NOW700&t

Hello - Thank you so much for considering a donation. I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on the 17th March 2022 and reconfirmed on the 30th November 2022.

MND (ALS) is a terminal illness that impacts the brain, muscles, and nerves, and eventually leads to respiratory failure. Currently, there is no known cure.

I have been to hell with this disease which nearly broke me, but, with the support of my family & friends, and amazing support of the MND associations in the UK & Ireland, and the wonderful charity, Challenging MND, I I have pulled myself out of the darkest time of my life. My mission is, no matter what life I have left, I want to make a difference, and never give up until my last breath.

My motivation is fivefold.
1. To inspire those living with MND, their families and friends, and all those living with a terminal illness - Despite the darkness we can still make a positive difference

2. To raise more awareness of MND and encourage governments and institutions to give more funding for this horrific disease - Together we can find a cure

3. To raise money for Global MND research, particularly in the UK & Ireland. To raise money for the amazing charity, Challenging MND, who provide amazing experiences for those living with MND

4. This reason is personal - The impact on peoples mental health when diagnosed with a terminal illness is devastating. On September 24th 2023, I broke the world record for the longest ever open water swim, non-stop, and unaided by a person living with MND. I love water, people who live with MND have a sense of normality in water. Setting myself a challenge and giving my mind something to focus on, has significantly improved my mental well-being

5. My children, Lauren, David and Georgia, no longer need life lessons from me - They teach me now! But, if I have one last sporting journey, I want them to know that even when life seems impossible, Never Give Up! We can make the impossible possible

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

Thank you again - Onwards & Upwards. Love Mark x