Why? 

Over the past year Ireland has seen a considerable rise in child neglect cases. As well as families feeling addional pressures not just due to reduced/loss of income during lockdowns, but also lack of support due to school closures (links to articles below) Barnardos are working with these children and families.

Barnardos Ireland have 700 staff working in 40 centres around Ireland, working with children to build resilience with a focus on their social, emotional, physical and educational development.

Helping parents strengthen their parenting skills to help them meet the needs of their children.

Working with schools to support children in their social and emotional development, to help with their educational progress.

Working within communities connecting families with local supports.

What? 
I'm going to train for and complete a 10km open water swim along the coast of Skerries. As I live within 2km of the shoreline, this challenge will still be doable during lockdown! 

How? 

'How' is right! In 2012 I completed a marathon run but since then my fitness regime has been mostly strength based. I did some swimming lessons when I was a teenager but apart from that I'm a novice! Also sea temperatures in the coming months range from 8 to 11 degrees celcius. So this marathon swim is well outside my comfort zone.

I'll be completing all swims relatively close to the shoreline to ensure I don't cause any bother for the local RNLI. Also training, as well as the 10km day itself, will be GPS tracked and posted online via Strava for all to see.

When?
I'm aiming to complete this challenge either on, or before, the 11th of May which is also my 30th birthday! 

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Links:

Irish Times/Irish Examiner reports on large increases in child neglect:

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/cases-of-severe-child-neglect-discovered-during-lockdown-1.4460554?mode=amp

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40208711.html

Report on children's issues with obtaining schooling during the pandemic:

https://m.independent.ie/news/families-of-special-needs-pupils-deeply-upset-and-worried-by-confusion-over-school-re-opening-39975350.html

https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1177158