This article is from page 2 of the 2011-10-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
IT WAS a case of third time lucky on Sunday for Kilmaley man Christy Healy who became the person to successfully complete a 10km underwater dive.
Christy completed the swim in Lough Derg in a time of 6 hours, 21 minutes and will find out this week if he has secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Christy is aiming to become the first person in the world to complete a 10km underwater swim. Bad weather scuppered Christy’s first attempt at the swim from Doolin Pier in September.
Three weeks ago Christy then re- attempted the mammoth challenge from Doolin but had to pull out due to difficulties on the 9.4 km mark just when his goal was in sight. But the story was not to end there for Christy and the team. “After the set back a few weeks ago, I was determined not to be beaten. I am absolutely thrilled, and relieved, I might add, to have completed what I pledged to all of those who have contributed and supported me throughout,” says Christy
He added, “The entire team were not willing to give up and all the training, organisation and hard work has paid off,” he continues.
A team in excess of 20 people including snorkelers, rescue divers, paramedics, navigators, observers and support personnel descended on the shores of Lough Derg at 7am on Sunday. Once preparations were complete, the flotilla was launched and travelled 15km out into the lake. Christy was deployed into the water where he submerged and did not surface until he received the signal that he had reached his goal exactly 6 hours and 21 minutes later.
The records and evidence collected by the appointed teams will now be submitted to the Guinness World Records Office for confirmation of the achievement in the coming days.
Diving instructor Christy took on the challenge to raise money for the Share A Dream foundation. He was inspired to do after his family was affected by cancer.
In March 2010 Christy and wife Trish’s son Stephen, then aged 17, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a cancer of the lymphoid tissue.
Thankfully, after six months of chemotherapy and a kidney operation, Stephen has been given the all clear.
Shay Kinsella, the founder of Share A Dream Foundation, stated “Christy is a fantastic man to attempt this world record once again in only three weeks. His determination and strength totally identifies with the children we work with who are battling everyday of their lives with illness.”