Belturbet lass to attempt open water swim for charity

Kirsty will complete approximately 500 metres a day finishing the challenge at 11am on June 26

A 12-year-old Belturbet girl is to attempt to swim 5,000 metres in open water at Annagh to raise money for local charities.

Already little Kirsty McCaul has raised more than three times her inital €500. The GoFundMe page 'Kirsty's Swim for Charity' now sits at an incredible €1,720 raised so far.

Kirsty will complete approximately 500 metres a day in Annagh lake up until her intended final swim starting at 11am on June 26 to reach the incredible 5,000 metre goal.

Kirsty has picked three charities to benefit from her endeavour- Cavan General Paediatric unit, Crumlin Childrens Hospital, Downs Syndrome Cavan.

“All of these charities are close to her heart for various reasons,” says Kirsty's proud mum Nathalie, who herself is a member of the Annagh Lake Dippers swim group. “For the past few years kirsty began her fundraising by baking buns, making crafts with some friends here at home from her gate and people were always generous to her.”

She adds that Kirsty only began swimming at the lake last summer but bravely continued right through winter and is now swimming without her wetsuit. “She is a brave & very thoughtful girl wirh a great heart.”