A group of friends on a world record attempt to become the first crew to row continuously and unsupported around the island will conclude their 32 day trip in Bangor on Wednesday night.
Former St Malachys pupils Aidan O’Reilly, Ciarán Breslin and Jack Norris along with new team member Ryan Davin are now on the home stretch in their Emerald Expedition.
The four friends are taking on the challenge to raise vital funds for suicide prevention charities Pieta House and PIPS.
Aidan O’Reilly said: “Mental health challenges affect far too many lives, and we’ve seen the toll it takes on individuals and communities. That’s why we’ve chosen to dedicate our expeditions to supporting Pieta and PIPS, two organisations committed to providing vital services for those in need.
“The hard work that Pieta and PIPS do on a day-to-day basis to help people through hard times, support them when needed and change lives is a huge inspiration to us.
“Equally, we hope that our expedition can be a source of inspiration, to encourage people to push through difficult challenges, to work as a team to overcome obstacles, to dream big and to find purpose through setting goals and working towards them.”
They have rowed almost 800 miles since Saturday June 15 when they left Belfast to embark their journey and are due to arrive at Bangor Marina at around 6:30pm.
Next year, they’ll embark on a more daunting 2,700-mile journey across tempestuous seas to Italy.
The group are just under £450 shy of the £5000 target.
You can donate by clicking here.
