Ian Synnott is raising funds for deaf and blind children.

A Dublin man is hoping to raise as much money as possible when he takes part in a 5km swim to raise money for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC).

Dubliner Ian Synnott has joked he hopes to raise “a million” in donations for RIDBC’s Splash for Cash.

Last year Splash for Cash raised more than $50,000 to help children overcome the challenges associated with having a vision or hearing impairment.

Mr Synnott, a keen amateur swimmer and Waverton resident, is making a special effort to raise funds because he will miss this year’s main event.

“I heard about it on the radio and I thought ‘I’d like be involved in it’,” said Mr Synnott, who moved here from Ireland in 1997.

He is unable to make the main Splash for Cash because it coincides with a holiday he has booked to Ireland. When he asked RIDBC how he could help he was told he could swim the 5km at any time in any pool, so he has pledged to do so at Milsons Point on April 16.

He has not set himself a finishing time but is promising donors that he will “do it without stopping”. So far he has raised $200 that will help children –  from newborns to teenagers – to overcome the many challenges associated with deafness and blindness.

He is hoping to secure more sponsorship before hitting the pool and has urged Irish Echo readers to dig as deep as they can.

RIDBC relies heavily on fundraising and community support to be able to continue to make a difference in children’s lives.

In order to maintain its intensive educational and research programs, the organisation needs to raise approximately $2.5m every month.

RIDBC provides vital support to almost 1,000 children with significant hearing and/or vision impairment and their families across Australia. It provides assessments to thousands more each year.

The main Splash for Cash event is being held on April 9, 8am-3pm, at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in Homebush. Register to take part in the event at  www.splashforcash.com.au or call Kaye Bailey at RIDBC on (02) 9872 0329.

Those interested in sponsoring Ian can visit: http://event.splashforcash.com.au/iansynnott

By Luke O’Neill