January 23 2021
Causeway Coast
Charity AWARE NI
Swim Distance 2.18km
THANK YOU FOR CONTINUALLY SHARING AND DONATING.
AWARE NI https://aware-ni.org/
Before I start the main body of this post I just want to say, when we see things in the media about various decisions that have been made by those in power, whether you agree or disagree, remember those decision makers are also human beings and they are facing what is coming out of the dark too. Regardless of their slant or lean, those people may be struggling too. Often we only see their work life, but they also have a private life in which they are no doubt also facing the unknown at times too.
If you are reading this please use it as motivation to get some exercise in today. If you are fit and able get outside and breathe the fresh cold crisp air DO IT! It is an incredible asset to have right now for breathing life into us in these dark days. If you can even get to a window and look out and get a breath of the air that may also do the job! I am a firm believer in the outdoors and exercise for helping get through times that aren't as bright as others.
Last night was amazing! In fact, i was looking forward to it all day. I had a couple of days break due to the northerlies and I was rearing to go last night. The beach was frozen, it was bitterly cold and the surf was pounding the low tide sand banks.
As per, the plan that I begin with often changes depending on currents. I had some flow with me, then some against me. Two big rips formed and moved me out quite a bit but I swam across them and used the surf to my advantage and all was good. The low tide can often create a nice gully off the back of the near shore banks and that was the case but the water went from nice and deep with good flow to really shallow at one point with a sand bank sitting further out than the others. I set of aiming for 1.2km but ended at just over 2km. It got to a point where the current had started against me and I decided it was best to save it for the next swim.
Wildlife count is still on the up. I got hit by another fish in the leg last night and I saw believe it or not a dead pig earlier in the day on a beach a little further away!
Thank you for the support you are all showing and the sharing and the donations. I get a real feeling of people pulling together. I have received messages from people who are really struggling and sharing what they are facing and telling me that this project is shining some light. One man has even messaged me from his hospital bed! Please take time to slow down and look after yourself and each other.
Even if none of you decide to exercise or donate, if just by doing these swims some of you are feeling better then that's all that matters. Pretty much everyone that has been helping me with this from my lifeguards to those behind the cameras have all gone through their own struggles in life and we are all very passionate about getting our message out there.
Just a shout out to the man that contacted Aware and donated £20 directly and referenced Swim Through Darkness as his reason! Thank you!
Thank you for reading this far! Please if you have a few spare quid use it to help the charity AWARE NI via the link here.... A massive thank you to the few of you who have donated so far! I cant reply to you on the justgiving site but know that your words and the money for charity are greatly appreciated. I know how hard it is for everyone at the minute and to find something to donate is a great and kind thing thank you! https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/al-mennie
Info - I am swimming a total of 100km through the darkness, in the darkest and coldest months of the year off the North Coast of Ireland. My aim...to inspire those who may be struggling in dark times to keep going. I also aim to raise awareness and funds for the depression Charity Aware NI. We all face dark times in life at some point and it can be extremely overwhelming.
Safety - Please don't think that because I am doing this that you too should do this or something similar. I am very experienced in the sea with knowledge that is only gained through many years of exposure to the sea in all her moods. I have a safety and location system in place including continual contact with people on land every time I swim.
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