Good news:Paddy Conaghan of Arranmore competes in the IMNDA Lakes of Ireland.

Good news:Paddy Conaghan of Arranmore competes in the IMNDA Lakes of Ireland…

Paddy Conaghan of Arlington, Massachusetts, began the new year with a personal goal: to swim the Irish lakes to raise money for motor neurone disease.

The 83-year-old has had a remarkable start to 2024 as he started his most recent amazing accomplishment, which will require him to face the lakes of Ireland’s 32 counties.

In a challenge aptly called “Ducking and Driving around the lakes of Ireland for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association” (IMNDA), Paddy is participating for the third year in a row for various charitable organisations. The estimated duration of the task is six weeks. All proceeds from this year’s fundraisers will benefit families and individuals with motor neurone disease.

On his 83rd birthday, Paddy started the challenge last Sunday in Loch Eamhnaigh, Arranmore Island, then on Monday, he tackled Lough Gill, Co Leitrim. He has visited Achill and Sligo during his travels.

In support of the IMNDA, Paddy remarked, “I am thrilled to take on this exciting challenge once again—swimming across the many lakes dotting the landscape of our 32 counties.”

“The kindness and support of donors and well-wishers motivates me and allows us to truly improve the lives of those battling MND. It won’t be easy, and it’s bitterly cold.”

Paddy’s personal challenge asks friends and family to join him at lakes throughout the nation to encourage him as he jumps in. You may follow his progress and voyage on his Facebook page, where he posts daily updates on his upcoming swims.

Visit iDonate.ie | Support Ducking & Driving across the lakes of Ireland for IMNDA to support Paddy Conaghan’s fundraising efforts.

Wildlife Trust of Suffolk – Lackford Lakes

Our customary approach is to go out of Cambridgeshire County and into Norfolk in our quest to see the beauties of nature. But sometimes we go into Suffolk, which is to the east. The Lackford Lakes SWT site, which lies near Bury St Edmunds, is one of the county’s nearest natural areas.

I should also mention how fortunate we are to be so close to Cambridge. We are located in a central area, with many reserves accessible within a 20-minute drive, and we have several good wildlife areas nearby. Many additional places are easily accessible from us—a 40–50 minute drive away. If traffic isn’t too bad, we can even reach the Norfolk or Suffolk shore in about an hour.

In any case, because we don’t visit Lackford Lakes as often as we should, our visits are always very memorable. Furthermore, even though we haven’t seen any bird or bug species there that we haven’t seen elsewhere over the years, it’s always interesting to go merely to observe the species that are uncommon on our local patch, like Siskin.