‘This one’s for you, Dad’ - Derry man takes on punishing 100-mile cycle for Alzheimer's charity

By Ursula Duddy

A young Derry man whose father suffers from Alzheimer’s disease has completed a punishing 100-mile cycle to thank his dad for ‘all his inspiration’.

Christopher Fagan, 20, took only seven hours to complete the 100-mile cycle from Derry to Newcastle, County Down, his 84-year-old father, Patsy’s birthplace. Patsy, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years ago.

Christopher decided to raise awareness and fundraise in honour of his Dad and will donate all the funds raised to the Alzheimer's Society. He has already ‘smashed’ his donation target by raising £2321.70, almost two and a half times more than he aimed for, and Christopher said the donations are still rolling in.

Christopher, who is studying Medicine at Durham University, had already spoken to the Derry News before the cycle about how the disease has affected his father and their family and how his mother, Kathleen, has been a tower of strength for them all.

Christopher described his father’s disease as ‘tortuous’ and said its challenges and impacts have shaped their family.

He said: “There are so many ways that Dad has changed, he's not the same man he was but, we know he's in there. Dad was always a quiet man, he'd very rarely say anything unless it was worth saying - he was full of wisdom. But now, he rarely says anything, and that's something we all miss.

“For Dad, we can only imagine how he feels. He was always prepared for everything but he never expected this and he can't control it, so I can imagine his frustration.

“Sometimes he apologizes for how he's become, especially to Mum, because Mum has been caring for him 24/7 over the last few years.

“And even when she's not with him, she's dealing with everything else that comes along with it, all whilst looking after us as children. Without Mum's strength, we can't imagine how we would have coped.”

Speaking again after the cycle, which he completed last Friday, August 25, Christopher said he was initially daunted by the challenge he had set himself.

“We set off from home at 6am; at the start, I thought, 'Why did I decide to cycle this far?'” he said.

“But we soon got into a rhythm and the miles flew by. Who knew that seven hours later we would be finished.”

Christopher said that he was touched by the fact that he was joined by James Behan, who he had not known before the cycle.

“I didn't know him before I started fundraising. His fiancée, Laura, actually works in the home that Dad’s in.

“I think he just saw the first article in the Derry News and he offered his support. I'd like to thank James; I honestly don't think I could have done it without him.

“Leaving at 6am in the morning, climbing some of the steepest hills and experiencing some challenging weather and traffic, this cycle really forced me to dig deep, and James kept me going throughout!”

He continued: “We cycled in stages and met up with Mum, Kathleen, and my brother, Anthony, along the way.

“They drove up to support us and to hold onto extra water and a change of clothes; which was well needed after passing through Antrim as the roads had turned into small rivers after the heavy rain earlier in the week. Anthony also took some great pictures along the way, which will make great memories.”

Christopher said reaching his destination was an emotional moment for him in more ways than one.

“The whole journey was really enjoyable, especially as the scenery was beautiful, but coming into Newcastle was emotional.

“Turning onto the main street and seeing the Mourne Mountains rising high above the town was unbelievable.

“My head was being flooded with memories of the summers we spent there on holiday and I was delighted to see Mum, Anthony, Sarah, my sister, and Eoin, Sarah's boyfriend, celebrating our arrival.

“I was welcomed with lots of hugs and they kept telling me how proud they were. All I could think was, ‘This one's for you, Dad’.

“After all the hype, I was so glad to get a shower and relax with my family. I was exhausted and looking forward to my bed.”

Christopher thanked everyone who made his journey so memorable and those who donated and helped him reach and exceed his own expectations.

“To all those who supported me from day one up until now, I'm so grateful.

“Every message, every phone call and all the well wishes were what helped me to get through this challenge; it was the perfect motivation for me, knowing that you all had faith in me.

“Deciding to do the cycle was a great idea, I set myself goals and I achieved them. I smashed my donation target, and the donations are still coming in.

“However, more importantly, I raised awareness about dementia and was able to share my stories and experiences with so many people, and they shared theirs with me. I think it's really important to talk about it.

“Finally, I thank Dad for all his inspiration, wisdom, and for making me the man I am today.”

You can still make a donation online, just visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100milesforPatsy