Francie McAlinden, Global Swim Series Champion Male Wetsuit 2018/2019 and Male Skins 2019/2020 has set his sights on a new challenge.

In memory of his grandson Orán Creaney, Francie is now putting himself to the ultimate test with an epic pioneering swim; the circumnavigation of Lough Neagh.

The Lap4Orán will have him swimming a total distance of 100k over five consecutive days in August and in doing so Francie hopes to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation to help several other families whose children also suffer from a heart condition similar to little Orán.

As a member of Lurgan Masters and Open Water Swimming club, Francie has helped run and organise many events, with 2019's very successful Swim4Orán attended by many young and seasoned swimmers!

This year he has helped to develop the endurance and racing skills of two of Lurgan’s swimmers, 19-year-old Fióntan McComb and 16-year-old Amy Dawson who had fantastic results in the Battle of Carlingford earlier this year.

A stalwart of Open water swimming and club life, Francie deserves to achieve great success on this his biggest challenge to date.

Please support Francie and the Make a Wish Foundation by donating.