Two Men,Two Kayaks, One Mission – Duo to Paddle the Shannon for Down Syndrome Ireland

Two men are on a mission. They're taking to their kayaks to paddle down the River Shannon over two weeks in May - all in a bid to raise funds for Down Syndrome Cork and Down Syndrome Limerick. Dads Andrew Bradley and Kevin O'Donovan have set themselves the 'Shannon Paddle for Down Syndrome' challenge and will be starting at the source - the Shannon Pot in Cavan - with the aim of making it to Limerick in two weeks. The Clonakilty duo, who depart from Cavan on May 3rd, also plan to bring their tents and all food, supplies and equipment they may need for the trek in their kayaks. With a stretch of 346km ahead of them, the pair have been putting in the hours, even training on land when bad weather set against their plans to test the waters. Both Andrew and Kevin are funding the entire campaign themselves so that all donations to 'Shannon Paddle for Down Syndrome' will go straight to the two nominated charities. Down Syndrome Cork and Down Syndrome Limerick provide social, educational and developmental activities for the benefit of people with Down Syndrome in their areas. The organisations also provide information and support services to families with a child, teenager or adult with Down Syndrome. With a goal target of €10,000 set, the men and their families are getting behind the cause by hosting coffee mornings and selling raffle tickets and t-shirts ahead of the expedition. Andrew and Kevin will be actively fundraising through MyCharity, as well as regular updates to their dedicated Facebook page as they check in along the route.