MND swimmer tries for two world records in one day

Mark hopes to raise awareness of motor neurone disease while setting two new world records

A man with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is attempting to set two world records in one day, while swimming in two different countries.

Mark O’Brien from Slip End in Bedfordshire was diagnosed in 2022 with MND, a terminal illness affecting nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

Mr O’Brien will take on two swim sprint challenges on Sunday, firstly in Luton and then in Dublin, as he is a citizen of both the UK and Ireland.

The 55-year-old previously achieved the world record for the longest unaided open water swim by a person with MND, inspired by the likes of rugby professionals Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir.

Burrow died in June at the age of 41, four years after being diagnosed with MND. In that time he raised awareness about the condition and more than £15m for charity.

"I have been inspired by the tremendous strength and character from Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir, and their respective families," said Mr O'Brien.

"Equally, I have been inspired by those that I have met with MND, and how they, through much adversity, continue to fight this brutal disease."

Mark set a world record for unaided open-water swimming for a person with MND last year

Mr O’Brien said that as well as fundraising for MND charities, his "mission" was to "highlight the mental health impact of terminal illness and the positive effects of challenging oneself".

He had faced "immense challenges" since the diagnosis, he said, which "affects the brain, muscles and nerves, leading to respiratory failure".

"I’ve emerged from the darkest time of my life, with my family, friends and support from the MND associations in the UK and Ireland, and the charity Challenging MND".

Starting early at 08:50 at Inspire Luton Sports Village, his first attempt will be a 50m freestyle, looking to beat a time of 38.92 seconds.

At 16:30 he will take to the water at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin, hoping to beat a time of 1 minute 39.88 seconds in the 100m freestyle.

Mark will swim in Luton on Sunday morning then in Dublin on Sunday afternoon

Sharon King, Senior Regional Fundraiser for the MND Association (UK) said: "Mark's efforts are nothing short of amazing.

"We are deeply honoured to support Mark once again and are overwhelmed by his remarkable dedication and resilience in facing such a formidable challenge.

"His unwavering commitment to raising awareness and funds is truly inspiring, embodying the relentless spirit needed in the fight against MND."