LATEST: Dermot’s 21 Day Coronavirus Challenge 

Hi folks. Like many other people, I have been wondering about how to turn this self isolation period into something positive. I’m very conscious that many people are going to find the next few months (maybe longer!) financially uncertain, but I’m also conscious that a lot of charities are going to find this time very difficult also in terms of being able to raise the funds they require to carry out their important work. That of course includes cancer charities such as Cancer Research UK. So I’ve decided to do something to help raise a bit more cash for CRUK. I obviously can’t embark on another long distance walk at this time, but the current Government guidance permitting one period of exercise a day allows me some scope. The challenge I have therefore come up with is to run from my home to the top of Lisnabreeny Hill, down the Cregagh Glen, back up again and back home, every day for 21 consecutive days regardless of the weather. It’s a challenging route with lots of steep hills and steps and takes me (on a good day) over an hour to complete. Day 1 was already completed today - see picture after I had towelled all the sweat off! If Government guidance changes during my challenge, making outdoor exercise impossible, then I will switch to an alternative indoor exercise for at least the same length of time. I realise that this challenge has obvious benefits for me in terms of health (I hope!). And, like many people living on their own, I really feel that I need something to keep myself motivated during this period of semi-lockdown. I also realise that it is not a great time to be seeking donations, but if you can give anything, no matter how small, it would be greatly appreciated. My fundraising total is only £760 away from my ultimate target of £50,000 and it would be fantastic if we could reach that target and say “F#ck Off” to both cancer and coronavirus! And if you can’t donate any money, I would at least appreciate your moral support and encouragement during this challenge - let’s stay connected. 

1000K4J

My wonderful wife Jacqui lost her life to cancer in January 2015. I want to help raise as much money as possible to support the fight against this awful disease. 

To date, I have undertaken three long distance walks (all over 1000 kilometres) - the Ulster Way in 2015, the Camino Del Norte in 2016 and the Ireland Way in 2018. I have also written three books detailing the physical and emotional journey involved on each walk.

Please make a donation here (or support CRUK by buying one of my books - see links below) and encourage your friends to do likewise. I am as committed as ever to helping Cancer Research UK fight cancer and, with your support, we will all help them with their aim of finally defeating cancer.

Thank you,

Dermot

Further Background and Links

The stories behind my Ulster Way and Camino walks have been captured in my books 'The Edge: Walking the Ulster Way with My Angels & Demons' and 'The Man with the Camino Tattoo' respectively. Both books are available from Shanway Press (cut and paste links below into your browser) and all proceeds from my book sales are also donated to Cancer Research UK.

http://shanway.com/product/the-edge/

http://shanway.com/product/the-man-with-the-camino-tattoo/

Both books are also available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Search for 'Dermot Breen' in Books

My third book, ‘Exiles: A journey through Ireland from Beara to Ballycastle’, can be purchased on Amazon in either paperback or Kindle format.