750miles (approx)

32 Counties

9 Days

3 causes*

 

Just before Christmas last year my Granda, a hurling enthusiast who hailed from Loughgiel passed away. In many walks of life he wasn’t always the easiest man to please; a perfectionist one may say! But lying in his death bed in Coronary care in Antrim Area Hospital he received exceptional care; thus enabling him to live out his final days at ease and full of charm and banter! He was pain free, peaceful and full of praise for the care he was receiving!

 

Despite the best efforts of the unit my Granda’s life wasn’t to be prolonged…he’d has his calling! He’d lived a good life and his time was up!

 

Unfortunately for an increasing number they choose not to live the full life my Granda did and make there own call prematurely! Mental illness brings unhappiness and despair to many individuals and families; one individuals misery can have a knock on effect! Society dictates that mental illness is perceived as a weakness and as a result those who suffer decide to keep it within. However, with the continued effort of charities like NIAMH and Mental Health Ireland hopefully more mental health sufferers will come forward for support, find inspiration and seek challenges to pull them through their difficult times.

 

Driven by the inspiration that is my Granda and our combined enthusiasm for Gaelic Games I decided to set myself the challenge of cycling from Granda’s birth place of Loughgiel, to Thurles; where the GAA was formed! Instead of taking the direct route I aim to touch on all 32 counties on route, over 9 days! In doing so I anticipate I will experience many of the emotions I assume mental health sufferers experience; loneliness, dejection, pain, low self-esteem etc! Yet I also hope to experience what I perceive the ‘other side’ to feel like; elation, self-pride, self-worth, happiness etc

 

This is now were you come in…

Mental health sufferers should not suffer alone; they should be supported, they should be helped to find inspiration to succeed! On 5 Jan I stepped on a bike to start preparing for this challenge unconvinced if I could see it through. Eleven weeks into my training program I’m still going and too stubborn to give in. I already feel that I’ve taken a physical (esp the under carriage lol) and mental battering; early morning training sessions followed by more of the same in the evening, gym sessions, hail, rain, snow and that bloody wind yet I know the hardest stage is yet to come. With 4 weeks to go (I start on Wed 16th April) I’m asking you to be my inspiration by giving what you can…when the £s start going up I’ve no way out! Thanks in advance for inspiring me to Thurles!

 

*When I set out to do this fundraiser I had three causes in mind:

1. NIAMH

2. Mental Health Ireland

3. Coronary Care (AAH)

 

Getting a page set up that catered for split beneficiaries proved difficult so in the end I went with this justgiving page were all online donations will go directly into Niamh's account! However, upon my request Niamh has agreed to split the fundraising total with Mental Health Ireland on the closure of this page. Considering my fundraising challenge incorporates all 32 counties I believe this to be a very fitting gesture on Niamh's behalf and thank them wholeheartedly for making this possible! Out of gratitude for the exceptional care my Granda received in the Antrim Area Hospital I will pledge all cash donations to the Coronary Care Unit there. 

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