Meet Christopher Healy, a native of Kilmaley, Co. Clare. In March 2010 Christy and his wife Trish were given the news that their only child, Stephen (18), had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphoid tissue). Any parent out there can only imagine the emotional blow and extreme stress this type of news brings, but like any great parents Christy and Trish pulled up their sleeves and faced it head on. Combined with the positive energy and determination of Stephen they took on this illness…
Due to the support from the Share a Dream Foundation and Christophers’s natural energy, good nature and determination, it wasn’t long before he decided to ‘give back’… but how
Christopher, who is a vastly experienced diving instructor and runs his own diving school, Atlantic Diving School based in Ennis, Co. Clare, decided to attempt a World Record 10 km dive in order to raise money for the foundation. This would become a new record with no-one having attempted such a dive before. The book is the journey of the hard work, determination, dedication, love and support of an amazing man, incredible family and the best friends anyone could ask for all pulling together to set a brand new Guinness World Record in Ireland.
Yesterday I had the chance to chat with Christopher and he answered a few questions for me –
1. Christopher, Where did the idea of a 10K Scuba Dive come from?
A couple of years ago some club swimmers swam from the Aran Islands to Doolin, this was a great achievement and it planted a thought in my mind of using the same route but scuba diving the distance instead. So I enquired about the distance of the swim and discovered it was about 10km… and so the scuba dive became the 10K Dive…. I was hoping to be able to do the dive in the ocean but due to tidal currents and other factors we were unable to finish our first attempt of the 10K, but did manage to get over 9k in the ocean so I was very pleased with that.
2. What were the risks of such a dive for you personally?
The main health risks of such a dive are, first, Hyperthermia. The water in Lough Derg was quite cold and for many reasons (explained in the book) I was unable to wear a dry suit which would have kept me warm but instead wore a wet suit which lets water in and out. In the first dive attempt in open ocean by core temperature dropped and was one of the reasons I didn’t succeed in reaching the 10k.
The second health risk is dehydration, drinking water is certainly required with over 6 hours of physical activity.
3. Would you do the dive again?
Yes I would do the dive again, especially if it means raising money for the Share a Dream Foundation.
4. Any Plans for a future Dive or World Record Attempt?
Well………. without giving away too many details I’ll just say there are some ideas bouncing around…. what will happen next remains to be seen.
To get your hands on an autographed copy of ‘The 10K Record’ just do the following
- Leave a comment below or head over and like the Atlantic Diving School Facebook Page and leave you comment there – or leave a comment in both places and double your chances 🙂
- Your comment must start with ‘Today I’m Diving ____________’ (into the ironing, into a tub of ice-cream, into the Red Sea… what ever you like – be creative)
- And that’s it… easy right 🙂
De-Stress 4 Life 
Very interesting to read this interview Catherine. I am in awe of Christopher’s determination and focus – a lesson for all of us, no matter what our challenges in life!
Very inspiring, a lesson of determination. With ambition and the right team, you can make all your dreams come true.
Today I’m diving into the Red Sea. I’ve done it before in person, but now I’m doing it in my mind. The underwater world fascinates me like no other place on earth: the starfish, the coral, the jellyfish, and all the other seaworthy creatures dwelling within. Thanks for such an inspiring story. xxx
I’m still in awe over this accomplishment and the amount of work and preparation that went into it. Seriously, words fail me