County Derry man to take on mammoth 1,000 mile challenge in aid of mental health charity

A County Derry man is set to take on a mammoth challenge this weekend – a 1,000 mile charity motorcycle ride around Ireland in just 24 hours.

Darren McKinney will begin his journey in Limavady this Saturday morning (June 17) and will travel through the likes of Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Naas, Cork, Killarney, Galway and Sligo before returning back to his starting point.

The Gortnaghey man will make the solo journey on his motorbike and hopes to complete it within the space of 24 hours.

Explaining his motivation for taking on the challenge, Darren said he wanted to raise funds for local mental health charity S.T.E.P.S.

“Mental health is something everyone can pretty much relate to it. I suppose I would always associate the bike with relieving stress so that's why I chose this particular fundraiser and the charity,” said the 35 year-old.

“I think getting on the bike after a busy or stressful day is a great way to clear your head and I really enjoy it so I thought it would be a good idea to take on this trip. Going by the route on the Sat Nav, it's actually 1,036 miles.”

Darren is currently raising funds for the Draperstown-based charity and hopes he can exceed his fundraising target of £1,000 – which works out at roughly £1 for every mile he travels.

“I am excited about it and can't wait to get on the bike however I know it will be tough and it will be a challenge. Hopefully all will run smoothly on the day,” said the dad-of-two.

Darren says other bikers are due to cheer him on at different points along the route and he welcomes the support of others too.

“What I really enjoy about the bike is the great sense of community you get with the other bikers,” he continued.

“Everyone waves to each other on the road and always takes the time out to talk to each other when you get off the bike, even if it's someone you have never met before.

“This makes everyone feel included and is good for your mental health as you always feel like you can chat to someone and never feel isolated among a crowd of bikers, even if they are all strangers.”

Online donations can be made here

Alternatively, cash donations can be made via Premier Car Parts, Foreglen, McCartney's Vivo in Gortnaghey or at Irwin Tyres, Dungiven.