Mark O’Brien, 54, from Slip End, Bedfordshire will attempt the challenge in Denham Lake, South Hertfordshire on 24 September 2023, 18 months after being diagnosed with MND – a progressive, terminal illness which attacks the nerves that control movement.
If Mark completes the swim unaided and without stopping, he will break the Guinness World Record for the longest unaided open water swim by a person living with MND. It is expected to take Mark 4-5 hours to complete his challenge, but the time may be affected by weather conditions and Mark’s illness, on the day.
His children Lauren, David and Georgia will join him in the lake for the final stages of the swim. Mark will also have a supply of oxygen on hand to assist him if needed, and his coach Alex Walker and Denham regular open water swimmers will keep him company in the lake at various stages.
