Limavady swimmer takes on marathon challenge for ME Research UK

Limavady man Dillon Moore is set to take on a monumental swimming challenge to raise funds and awareness for ME Research UK, inspired by his lifelong friend, James Walton.

Dillon aims to swim 26 miles at the Roe Valley Leisure Centre on Tuesday June 17 in aid of the charity, which supports research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Dillon (26) has been inspired to fundraise for this cause by his close friend James Walton, a gifted triathlete from Ballerin, who fell seriously ill in 2020 and was later diagnosed with ME.

His ME diagnosis left James (pictured below) suffering from this debilitating condition that has significantly impacted his life and his childhood friend Dillon is determined to help fund essential research into the cruel condition.

Dillon described the challenging task ahead of him and why he was so keen to undertake this on behalf of James:

“I will be swimming the distance of a marathon on Tuesday 17th of June in order to raise funds and awareness in aid of ME Research UK.

“The total distance of 26.2miles equates to 1688 lengths of my local leisure centre pool in Roe Valley Leisure Centre.

“I was very friendly with James during our time at Limavady Amateur Swimming Club and he was on his way to big things in the triathlon world.

“He was over in England as part of the Brownlee brothers training camp with hopes of going to world championships in triathlon.

“James subsequently took ill in September 2020 and was unable to train or compete.

“Even daily activities such as going for a walk or going up and down stairs remain a constant challenge for James.

“There are currently no services or treatment for those affected by ME in Northern Ireland so my hopes for this challenge is to raise as much funds as possible to help with vital research about the condition.” 

ME Research UK relies on supporters to help fund vital research into the causes, consequences and treatment of ME and helps to support a growing number of scientists’ work throughout the world.

Dillon has been training for the event ahead and hopes that the community will come out and support him on the day:

“The past few years I hadn’t been in the pool as much but since the start of this calendar year, I’ve been training for this event.

“My training schedule has been quite sporadic with my work schedule and pool opening times but I train when I get a chance.

“All support is welcome on the day whether you want to come down and cheer me on from the sides or if you fancy getting the Speedos on and joining me in a few lengths!”

James Walton, a former chairman of the Triangle Triathlon Club and Irish International triathlete, saw his promising sports career come to an abrupt end after being diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

Having been involved with sport from a young age, James completed his first triathlon at the age of 16 and took silver in the 2019 Irish Sprint Triathlon National Championships.

Prior to being struck down with ME, he had been had been part of the famous Brownlee training group whilst studying at Leeds.

His ambition was to compete in the World Championships alongside his successful academic career in Leeds completing a PHD in optimal training practices in elite athletes.

Contracting ME has been devastating for James’ sporting, academic and social life but he hopes that more investment and research into the disease will help him to regain control and independence over his condition.

Dillon has vowed to assist with greater research into ME through his fundraiser and is calling for the community to support him in his challenge:

“I want to thank everyone who has shown support for this event whether that be sharing posts, donating to the charity or even just showing support.

“As far as I’m aware, I don’t know anybody else who has done this challenge, probably because they have sense, but everyone’s support will massively drive me on and motivate me during the hard times of this marathon swim!

“We have already raised £1700 for ME Research and every donation is massively appreciated.

“If people are thinking of donating and are in a position to do so, they can donate using the Just Giving website.”