Cork student hopes to raise €10k for mental health charity with 18-hour charity swim

A Cork student who recently completed an ultra-marathon swim in aid of charity has issued a call to the public to help reach his fundraising goal of €10,000.

Last week, 21-year-old physiotherapy student Cal Holohan undertook an 18-hour swim to raise funds for Mental Health Ireland.

On August 11, Mr Holohan completed the fundraising event by swimming the length of Lough Derg, Co Tipperary.

On completion of his swim, at Twomilegate beach, Mr Holohan was greeted by friends, family, and onlookers.

As a strength athlete, Mr Holohan decided to take on the challenge, which was last completed in 2014, with just under 12 months’ preparation.

Mr Holohan said he undertook the challenge as he is familiar with mental health issues, having experienced some himself, and wanted to show how it can be possible for anyone to complete this challenge with little under a year of training.

As a result of the challenge, Mr Holohan is hoping to bring awareness to Mental Health Ireland as a charity, and to provide motivation for anyone considering undertaking the feat themselves.

With a fundraising goal set at €10,000, Mr Holohan’s iDonate page, at the time of going to print, stood at €4,510 raised.

On his fundraising page, Mr Holohan said the challenge was “not only a test of physical endurance, but also a way to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental wellbeing and provide vital resources for those in need”.

It is hoped that he will reach his fundraising goal before the end of August.

Mr Holohan is no stranger to fundraising, as this is the second time he has completed a challenge in aid of charity.

At the age of 17, Mr Holohan repeatedly climbed a rope until he reached the height of Carrauntoohil, raising approximately €8,000 for Pieta House.

For more information, or to make a donation to Mr Holohan’s iDonate page, visit:https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Lough