Omagh's Des to take on charity rowing challenge in memory of beloved aunt

A YOUNG Omagh man is taking on a mammoth charity rowing challenge this weekend in memory of his beloved aunt.

Des McLaughlin, who was born with a neurological condition called hemiplegia, will undertake a challenge he once never thought possible at his local gym, XP5 Fitness, Omagh on Saturday.

Aiming to row an impressive 21,980 meters - the equivalent of a half marathon, Des is also raising much needed funds for Care for Cancer in his aunt Roisin's memory.

Des explained: "In memory of my aunt Roisin I am undertaking a challenge that I never thought possible...in conjunction with my trainer Shane Mullan at XP5 Fitness and to raise much needed funds for Care for Cancer, I am undertaking a half marathon...(21,980 mtrs) on a rowing machine.

"What makes this challenging for me is that I since birth have a neurological condition called hemiplegia.

"This condition affects my right hand side and cause paralysis that affects my complete righthand side.

"I have been training for over six months for this challenge with Shane and he has guided me every step of the way.

"The challenge takes place this Saturday at XP5 Fitness.

"Please give generously to this much needed charity as it has supported my auntie Roisin during her illness and many others throughout the community."

Encouraging the local community to support Des in raising funds, proud coach, Shane Mullan, said: "Show some love/support for Des who is taking on an incredible challenge at XP5 Fitness to raise essential funds for Care for Cancer.

"Des started training with me last year and expressed his desire to tackle a challenge after seeing other XP5 members do the same. Together, we devised a plan and settled on the rowing machine.

"It's a pleasure to train with him, he's always pushing forward with no excuses. This challenge is bound to inspire many others. I encourage you to support his charity effort for Care for Cancer in memory of his aunt Roisin."

Anyone wishing to donate to this worthy cause can do so via Des' fundraising page at Justgiving.com - https://shorturl.at/QxcyO