A Belcoo man will attempt to become the first person to swim the entire length of Lower Lough McNean.

On Friday, July 12, Garry McGovern will enter the water just outside Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh reaching land again close to Fermanagh and Cavan Border four kilometres later.

If swimming four kilometres was not tough enough for Garry, he will be doing it without a wetsuit.

There has been some changes to plans as the overgrowth of reeds and weeds means Garry has had to move his finishing position.

On his latest reconnaissance for the route, he saw that his exit at Blacklion was impassable for a swimmer let alone the kayak he was in at the time.

The video which he uploaded to Youtube showed the lough as it is.

Garry said: “That didn’t go to plan.

“My head is wrecked. I Have no idea what to do. None.

“The reeds, the weeds, the lilies they are like four or five foot high.

“I mean I was swimming through them and you can’t even stand because of the mud. There is just nowhere to get out.”

Garry will be raising funds for local charities The Aisling Centre, Enniskillen and NorthWest STOP in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, two organisations that deal with a subject that has had a significant effect on Garry’s own life, mental health.

For more information on Garry’s start time keep an eye on his Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/theshannon300.

To donate to the Aisling Centre visit https://localgiving.org/fundraising/MacneanSwim/ and for NorthWest STOP visit www.idonate.ie/MacneanSwim