TWO Donegal men completed their cycling challenge from Malin Head to Mizen Head and back again for charity.
Ballybofey friends and cancer survivors, Seamy McDermott, a kidney transplant recipient and Vinney Gillespie reached their destination Malin Head at 4.30pm on Sunday.
They cycled just over 567km each way supporting organ donor awareness, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) National Kidney Support Centre.
Seamy said: “To be standing back here at Malin Head after more than 1,100 kilometres is hard to put into words. There’s a huge sense of relief, pride and gratitude.
“The heat, the long days on the road and the physical demands of the challenge and heat tested us over the first few days, but we kept reminding ourselves why we were doing it.
“Twenty-four years ago, I was given the gift of life through a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. This journey was my way of honouring that gift, raising awareness of organ donation and supporting the incredible work of the Irish Kidney Association.”
Seamy thanked everyone who made the journey possible.
“I want to sincerely thank my great friend Vinney and fellow cancer survivor for his support, encouragement and companionship throughout this challenge,” he said. “Having someone who understands life’s battles beside you means more than words can express.
“A very special thank you goes to my wife Jennifer, who followed behind us every kilometre of the way, keeping us safe, making sure we stayed hydrated, applying sunscreen when needed, and providing constant encouragement.
“Finally, thank you to everyone who donated, shared our story, sent messages of support, cheered us on along the route and believed in what we were trying to achieve. Every contribution helps raise awareness of organ donation and supports people living with kidney disease. I hope this challenge shows what can be possible because of the generosity of donors and their families.
“I will be forever grateful for the second chance I was given.”
There was a large welcoming party at Malin Head as Seamy and Vinney cycled to the finish point with a band playing Rocky’s “Eye of the Tiger”, with lots of cheers from their friends from Finn Wheelers Cycling Club.
Seamy and his bicycle at Malin Head.