My name is Elaine Cornett. I was born and bred in Northern Ireland but have been living in France for close on 30 years now. This April (2025), I will be kicking off an exciting fundraising adventure with gorgeous Bordeaux as my starting point! I will endeavour to solo cycle from my home in Bordeaux all the way to the Southern Area Hospice in Newry, Co. Down.

I’ll be riding alone, unsupported, and on a non-electric bike, all in the name of raising funds for the Southern Area Hospice.

Here’s what I’m up against:

1500 kilometres / 930 miles / 3 weeks / 2 borders / 2 legs / 1 small boat / 1 big boat / 1 bike / a whole lot of stamina!

This mission is deeply personal for me. My dad was diagnosed with cancer just as the COVID pandemic hit. Like many families navigating serious illness at that time, the restrictions we faced made an already difficult situation even harder. I often thought about hopping on my bike to go see my dad, but it was impossible.

My dad passed away on January 19, 2022, at the Southern Area Hospice, where he received amazing care from the dedicated staff.

So, why take on this massive cycling challenge? The four reasons are simple:

1. To raise funds for the Southern Area Hospice, helping them continue to provide exceptional palliative care and support to families like mine.

2. To personally thank the staff at the hospice for the incredible care they gave my dad.

3. To celebrate my dad, Sam Cornett—he’s the one who taught me how to ride a bike and how to fix a puncture!

4. And to give myself an unforgettable personal challenge at 50 years old (just a little crazy).

The countdown is on! Follow me on social media as I prepare for my big departure on Friday, April 4, 2025. I can’t wait to share the journey with you as I pedal through the beautiful landscapes for this incredible cause. No pressure, right?

Please GIVE GENEROUSLY! Thank you.

Instagram: @thelongwayhome.byelaine

Facebook: @Elaine Cornett