"He's resilient": Roscommon man to reach midpoint of 230km Shannon swim in Athlone

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Roscommon native John Little is set to reach the halfway mark on his ambitious 230km River Shannon swim this evening in Athlone.

The Croghan man set out on his challenging eight-day swim from Dowra in Cavan to Curragower Boat Club in Limerick City on Sunday, August 10.

Today's leg of the swim will see Paul swim from Lanesborough to Athlone, reaching a milestone 112km of swimming for the Roscommon man.

"He's so resilent," said Hazel Little, Paul's wife, speaking to the Westmeath Independent.

"It's definitely taking a toll on his body, but he has such a strong mind, and he's been in great humour."

When asked what inspired the challenge, Hazel said it's "just in his nature".

"He's a man for a challenge! For our honeymoon, we actually climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. He's grown up on rivers, he's very active, and when he set out to do this challenge, he knew it had to be for charity, and he chose North West Stop."

North West Stop is a voluntary community-based organisation that works to prevent suicide by informing, educating and promoting positive mental health.

"There's not one family in Ireland that hasn't been touched by suicide. The work of North West Stop is invaluable," Hazel said.

"It's for families that have lost a loved one, and they provide counselling for those grieving. If one person can be helped, that means everything."

Paul is being supported along the way by his wife Hazel and their five-month-old baby. Also offering their support are rowers Sean Garvey and Glen Patterson, mechanic Aidan Breslin, and Paul's brother and skipper William Little.

To support Paul's fundraiser, go to: https://northweststop.enthuse.com/pf/shannonswim