Gordon McElroy, director at MKB Law Solicitors in Belfast, will participate in a charity swimathon to support Ceara School in Lurgan.

Mr McElroy, who will take part alongside his son Patrick, has close family links to the school.

His brother Alan, who passed away suddenly last November, was a former pupil at the school and his late mother Helen was once a member of its Board of Governors.

Ceara School, which will soon celebrate its 70th anniversary, provides educational and emotional support for children and young adults with learning severe difficulties.

Mr McElroy’s five-kilometre swim will take place this Friday 18 March at Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex in Bangor.

A fundraising page on JustGiving shows the firm has already smashed its £2,000 target and is raising more by the day.

Mr McElroy said: “The idea behind the fundraising was essentially twofold; to acknowledge the fantastic work and dedication shown by all staff at Ceara, and to celebrate the memory of both Alan and my mother who sadly are no longer with us.”

Dr Peter Cunningham MBE, principal of Ceara School, said: “We are very thankful to Gordon, his son, and MKB Law for their support.

“All funds raised will be used by the school to provide ‘nice things’ for the children, including: new toys, parties and trips outside of school.”