Derry fitness instructor Danny’s 10 IronMans challenge in memory of father

By Ciaran Lockhart
Published 26th Mar 2021, 08:04 BST
Updated 26th Mar 2021, 08:08 BST
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Local fitness instructor Danny Quigley has announced a new gruelling challenge in memory of his late father Colm .

Speaking on the weekend of his father’s tenth anniversary, Danny said that he hopes to complete ten Ironman triathlons over ten days.

The mammoth undertaking is all in aid of raising money for suicide awareness.

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One Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim (3.9km), then a 112-mile (180.2 km) bike run, finished off with a 26.2-mile (42.2km) marathon run.

Danny Quigley, who will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness pictured with a sketch of his dad. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 001Danny Quigley, who will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness pictured with a sketch of his dad. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 001
Danny Quigley, who will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness pictured with a sketch of his dad. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 001

Danny has recorded a special promotional video about the challenge he has set himself. He told the Journal: “My father died of suicide ten years ago. He was a model father and my teacher.

“His passion for sports and motivation to push himself to his physical limits have lived on in me.

“As it’s his ten-year anniversary, I’ve wanted to remember him especially this year, in a way that is true to his character and in a way that challenges me.

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“It’s going to be a huge undertaking, but with the right support I’ll be able to get there,” he added.

Danny Quigley, will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 005Danny Quigley, will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 005
Danny Quigley, will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 005

All money raised from Danny’s challenge will go to charities, namely Pieta House, a charity which aims to support people in suicidal distress or self-harming.

The Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum will also benefit from the monies raised. The local Forum provides help and support to people in the community of all ages to live a healthy lifestyle.

With plans for the challenge coming to fruition, Danny hopes to complete the ‘Ironman10for10,’ later this year in August.

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“I will be blogging and vlogging, keeping a diary of my training regime to give everyone an insight into the challenge,” Danny said.

A sketch of the late Colm Quigley father of triathlon Danny Quigley. DER2110GS – 006A sketch of the late Colm Quigley father of triathlon Danny Quigley. DER2110GS – 006
A sketch of the late Colm Quigley father of triathlon Danny Quigley. DER2110GS – 006

“I will need all your help though. I would like to extend an open invitation to anyone who would like to be part of a much-needed team to help me with my goals.

“Support from the likes of physios, doctors, chiropractors and podiatrists for example.

“Anyone that feels like they could offer me some help in getting through it, please reach out and get in touch.”

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If you’d like to help Danny reach his goal or with the challenge check out his Go Fund Me page: www.gofundme.com/DannyQuigley10

Danny Quigley, who will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness pictured with a sketch of his dad. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 003Danny Quigley, who will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness pictured with a sketch of his dad. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 003
Danny Quigley, who will complete 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days, in memory of his late father, raising funds for suicide awareness pictured with a sketch of his dad. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2112GS - 003

You can also reach him via his Facebook page or via Instagram: danny_quigley123

*Anyone in distress can contact Lifeline 08088088000, Samaritans 116123 or the Derry-based CCIS 02871262300.

*VIDEO BY CIARAN LOCKHART

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