Local ocean adventurer, big wave surfer, author, stuntman, model and passionate champion of mental health awareness - Al Mennie - has taken on a new challenge!
Nightly, in the hours of intense darkness, he wades into the powerful North Atlantic Sea, some 100metres from the shoreline and swims, not in flat water but through the surf, to lend his support to many of us who are currently struggling to keep our heads above water in these darkest of times.
Al draws upon over 30 years of ocean experience to navigate his way along the coast each night - not a feat to be attempted by anyone without such experience - so 'Do Not Try This at Home' as it were!
To date (Jan 2021), Al has raised an incredible £6,900 for AWARE – the depression charity for Northern Ireland.
We at Style Academy, are humbled and proud to represent such a local hero!
Al Mennie says;
“My motivation for Swim Through Darkness has been the pandemic itself. People in all areas of society including our leaders are struggling with everything that has come out of the dark in the past 12 months !’ I wanted to try and raise awareness that everyone must keep a close eye on each other including ourselves as individuals . Not everyone talks about what they are going through and often someone very close is struggling but unable to vocalise it. I also wanted to promote exercise in particular outdoors, not necessarily swimming, just the simple experience of being outdoors, embracing it and allowing it to embrace you'
“I chose to do this sponsored swim in the dark for a reason. It’s not just because it is a lot harder, which it is, as my vision is impaired, but rather it’s because this past year has been truly awful for most. I know so many people have felt like they are just managing to keep their heads above water in a dark place. I want to stand with them in that. To let them know they are not alone and that people, like AWARE, want to help them. This is why I chose them as my charity to raise the funds for’
THANK YOU FOR CONTINUALLY SHARING AND DONATING. Donations now over the £6900 mark!
To keep up with Al's progress and be truly inspired, check out below: