Aidan to swim 60 lengths in 30 minutes in aid of St Joseph’s
AIDAN O’TOOLE, dad of champion swimmer Gary, will take on his own challenge in the pool next month. Bray man Aidan plans to swim 60 lengths in 30 minutes in aid of St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Shankill.
‘My wife Kaye has been a resident in St Joseph’s for the last year and I spend a lot of time there too,’ said Aidan.
He is raising money towards a specially adapted bike to take residents out and about for cycles in the area. Funding of €7,500 is required for the triobike.
‘ The management and staff at St Joseph’s are so facilitating and caring, they inspire people to extra heights,’ said Aidan. Aidan’s wife Kaye has Alzheimer’s disease and receives wonderful care at St Joseph’s. ‘Being a dedicated sportsperson, I decided to raise the money through a sporting challenge,’ said Aidan.
‘ The swim is really only a sideshow to promote the project and is irrelevant in the whole scheme of things.
‘Apart from the impact the triobike will make at St Joseph’s, I also wanted to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and Dementia for society,’ said Aidan. ‘ This is a sickness that is spreading rapidly throughout the world and nobody knows where or what creates the condition and it has baffled scientists for years with no solution or cure. Only families who have experienced the condition know what it entails through hurt and pain. I know my wife Kaye would never have wanted to go into a nursing home no matter how good it was, but eventually circumstances dictate whether you like it or not. You always question your decision and feel the guilt which never goes away no matter what.
‘On behalf of Kaye myself and St Josephs I would like to thank everyone who has donated so far to the project including long term friends and connections who wish to remain anonymous.’
Aidan’s son Gary O’Toole was a double Olympian, World University Champion and European silver medallist. Aidan was his trainer at one time, yet only took up swimming to keep fit when he retired seven years ago. Gary, now an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in bone cancer and knee surgery, was instrumental in exposing sexual abuse by coach George Gibney, after colleagues and friends confided in him. He bravely and persistently pursued the truth after learning of Gibney’s actions.
Aidan’s swim will take place at the Glenview on Saturday, February 10, the day of Kaye’s birthday, at 7.45 a.m. and will include backstroke and freestyle. People can donate at give. everydayhero.com/ie/aidan-sswim-challenge or call Aidan on 086 3147157.