A NORTHSIDE father who
“made a deal with God
? to save his son has raised over
?¬150,000 for a charity close to his heart.
Raheny native Robbie Clarke dived off O’Connell Bridge on May 26, a stunt he’s performed every year since his son Declan was born 28 years ago.
Declan was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a debilitating condition which Robbie believes had earlier claimed the lives of his three babies in 1979 and 1980.
“Declan arrived in March 1984 but it looked like he was losing his battle with life by that June,
? Robbie explained.
“I remember sitting down and praying to God, begging him that if he saved Declan I would be forever indebted.
“I begged that I would do something good to help others. That’s when the fundraising for CF began.
“Declan began to come back to himself. We always say it’s like he has two birthdays – when he was born in March and when he bounced back in June.
?
Robbie’s pact with God has seen him jump off O’Connell Bridge every year since 1984 to raise money for CF.
It’s a good thing that Robbie (61) is an avid swimmer. He’s a member of the Eastern Bay Masters Swimming Club and won the Liffey Race in 2004.
It’s not just Robbie who takes the plunge from O’Connell Bridge each year, as many of his fellow swimmers, friends and colleagues are also only too willing to get involved.
For added visual effect and entertainment, each year brings a new theme for the dive for CF, whether it’s superheroes, cartoon characters or a mock wedding as was the case this year.
“Declan got married in March, a day I hoped and wished I’d see,
? Robbie told Northside People.
“It seemed only fitting that we’d have a bride and groom this year.
“Declan himself has even got involved in the event. I begged him not to go into the water because I worried about what he might pick up but he did it behind my back. I went mad but I was proud of him.
?
It’s estimated that over the last 28 years, Robbie and his crew have raised over
?¬150,000 for CF.
And the Northsider has no intentions of calling it a day on the charity jumps.
“I’ll keep doing it as long as Declan is living,
? he said.
“I’m afraid if I stop he’ll get taken from me.
?
Meanwhile, Robbie’s
‘bride’ for the day, Vanessa Daws, who lives in Phibsboro, is top of the list of those who have already signed up for next year’s dive.
“It was fantastic and the water was lovely,
? she said.
“My family think it’s the only wedding photo they’re going to get of me. I can’t wait to do it next year.
?