Brothers to cycle across Ireland for cancer on mother's anniversary

County Derry brothers will cycle from Mizen Head to Malin Head on the 30th anniversary of their mother's death from breast cancer.

The brothers and a brother-in-law will undertake the challenge to raise funds for breast cancer charity Pretty 'n Pink.

Brothers Shane 53, Martin 51 and Declan 48, from Dungiven, had intended to take on the cycle but Martin picked up an injury during training. Patrick McAuley (Martin's brother-in-law) 41 from Portrush will also join them as they look to help each other along on the gruelling journey.

Their sister Tanya and Paul, Barry and Caroline will join them on the journey in the support vehicle. Tanya has been organising accommodation, food, and the fundraising page for the cycle.

Shane explained that they are taking on the challenge to commemorate their mother Evelyn.

“Our mother died at 44, unfortunately she never lived long enough to see any of us married or see any of her 27 grandchildren born," he said.

“I just thought it would be nice maybe to do something to commemorate it and I do know from experience and a couple of fellas I work with that breast cancer is still very, very prevalent. Although the survival rates are a lot better now than they were 30 years ago but it's still very much a thing, unfortunately.

“So it would be nice if we could do something to commemorate our mother and also maybe raise a few pound that could maybe go to help somebody else.”

“Our sister, Tanya, did a bit of research and found the Pretty n Pink Charity. While it's not one of the better known ones, it's Northern Ireland based,” he added.

All money raised for Pretty n Pink stays within the North. The charity aims to provide financial support, and other support services to patients with breast cancer and/or their families.

All of the money raised as part of the fundraiser will go to the charity as the family will cover all costs themselves, such as accommodation between cycles, food etc. The family will also make a donation.

The cyclists will also be sponsored by Heron Bros construction and property development company and Project One bespoke Modular buildings. Both will be making donations.

Tanya's husband Brian McCloskey will be covering the cost of the fuel for the support vehicles for the journey.

Following the cycle the crew will get together with their other brother and sister who couldn't make the cycle due to work commitments. They will be joined by the rest of their mother's family to commemorate her.

They hope to start at noon on Wednesday, September 13 and complete the cycle in four days. The second day of the cycle falls on the 30th anniversary of their mother's death.

While the team have faced a few setbacks in training, they remain undeterred.

“We all have experience of distance cycling but doing it three or four days in a row is slightly different but we'll get it done.

“The training has been interrupted. July was a real horrible month for training. The weather really, really hampered us.

"It rained every day and we couldn't even arrange to meet up because you were just sort of sitting and trying to get out when there was a dry spell, maybe sitting for two hours in the cycling gear waiting for the rain to stop and then trying to get an hour or two squeezed in,” Shane said.

Shane anticipates a bit of joking around and friendly competition will help get them through the journey.

“There will be a bit of slagging. There will be a bit of craic. That'll help us up the road.

“We may race for the line if we have anything left when we reach Donegal. The last hill up into Malin Head is quite steep.

“As we go to Quigley's Point and cut across, it's hard enough. The last 15 or 20 miles will be tight enough with 150 miles in your legs.”

Shane says the long term forecast is looking okay for the cycle but doesn't have much faith in it.

So far the JustGiving fundraiser has raised £4,340 towards a £4,500 goal.

“We're really pleased – that's a big amount of money for that charity and if we can get even more all the better. I know the way things are at the minute for some people but it's surprising the amounts coming in at £10/£20," Shane said.

You can donate to the fundraiser on the Just Giving page here:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tanya-mc-gonigle?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=tanya-mc-gonigle&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=c512a56ecf9a4d56a2e9fd31f8259e73&fbclid=IwAR2_uV9wR1mbmQw1ZnxG8WmLetsbxkIvQyT4LTFMifTxPHRqo70JkLebk3U