Canoeist Jon completes seven-day challenge raising €8,000 for Jigsaw
By Maurive Garvey
LUCAN canoeist Jon Simmons battled the elements to complete a crazy seven-day challenge on the River Liffey for charity.
Simmons canoed 42.2 km a day between February 1-7, and has raised nearly €8k for youth mental health group Jigsaw.
Jon Simmons
The Canoeing Ireland National Talent Development Coach and Head Junior Club Coach of Salmon Leap Canoe Club, felt compelled to get involved in the effort to raise awareness for the charity, which has seen a 400 per cent increase in calls during 2020.
Speaking to The Echo ahead of the challenge, Simmons said he was concerned for the young people under his wing and other young people, who are struggling with the restrictions and lockdowns.
Living less then 5km from the Liffey and Salmon Leap Canoe Club, provided Simmons with the opportunity, and he was supported by a number of other canoeists during the week, including fiancé Jenny Egan, who is training for the Olympics, and Jenny’s brother Peter Egan.
Jon said he was delighted to finish the challenge but he was “tested both physically and mentally”.
“I just wanted the juniors out there to know that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, regardless of the situation,” he said.
Jon is thankful to Canoeing Ireland, Sport Ireland, Salmon Leap Canoe Club, Canoe Centre, Esmark and Finch, Jantex Paddles and H2Pro Precision Hydration for their support.
Donations are open until March 7 HERE.
By subscribing to The Echo you are supporting your local newspaper Click Here: Echo Online.
TAGS news
