Derry's Ironman Danny Quigley completes 'Celebration of Life' challenge

Derry’s own Ironman Danny Quigley has completed his latest epic challenge.

The local mental health campaigner took on his biggest challenge to date as he swam the length of the River Foyle then out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Called the ‘Celebration of Life’, Danny took on the mammoth challenge to remember people who have died by suicide in a positive light by remembering their lives instead of how they died. Danny’s father Colm took his own life in 2011.

In 2021 Danny undertook the challenge of running 10 Ironman triathlons in 10 days. An Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.2 km) cycle and a marathon on foot of 26.22-miles (42.2 km) run.

He helped raise over £100,000 for various charities and earned himself the Freedom of the City but he said this time round was a “tougher challenge”.

“I’m ready for a rest now,” Danny joked. “It was tough this time around, especially out in the ocean but I'm glad we made it through to the end and I'd like to thank everybody who helped out during the week.”

He added that suicide is an issue that needs to be talked more openly about.

“This is an issue we need to keep talking about. It's something we all need to recognise and understand that these people were just like us, living happy lives and then they're gone but they're never forgotten.

“Hopefully this will be the start of something were we can celebrate the lifes of people who have passed through suicide.”

Mayor of Derry, Cllr Patricia Logue praised Danny for yet another massive achievement.

“It’s absolutely amazing what he has done,” she said. “To remember all those people who have passed away in such a sad way, Danny has done something so positive for all those families affected by suicide and we are all very proud of him.”

All monies raised will go to Foyle Search and Rescue and the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum.

To donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/65hwv-the-celebration-of-life?member=25040185&sharetype=teams