TWO Donegal men have set out on their gruelling six-day cycling challenge from Malin Head to Mizen Head, and back again for charity.
Ballybofey friends Seamy McDermott, a kidney transplant recipient and Vinney Gillespie are supporting organ donor awareness, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) National Kidney Support Centre.
They departed from Malin Head yesterday and plan to arrive at Mizen Head tomorrow, Wednesday.
With very hot and sunny weather forecast for the week ahead, the pair are expected to face challenging cycling conditions over the course of their journey, taking one day’s break when they get to Mizen Head.
They will then begin the return leg of their journey on Friday, May 29, arriving back where they started in Malin Head by Sunday, May 31.
Over six days, the pair will cover 567km through 12 counties as they cycle from Ireland’s most northerly point to its most southerly point and back again, retracing the route on their journey home.
Their inspiring journey comes just two days after the end of Organ Donor Awareness Week and aims to highlight the life-changing impact of organ donation while raising funds for two important causes close to their hearts.
For Seamy, the challenge carries a particularly personal meaning as this year marks the 24th anniversary of the kidney transplant he received from a deceased organ donor, a gift that transformed his life and one he continues to honour by embracing life to the fullest. Both Seamy and Vinney are cancer survivors.
An active volunteer with the Donegal branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) alongside his wife Jennifer, Seamy has long supported the work of the charity. Jennifer also previously served as a director on the charity’s board.
Jennifer is following the two men along the cycle route in a van ensuring they stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen.
Two years ago, Seamy and Vinney completed the Ring of Kerry charity cycle, also fundraising for the IKA and is now taking on an even greater challenge to continue supporting kidney patients, transplant recipients and organ donation awareness.
Three weeks ago, Seamy was to undergo surgery for skin cancer but deferred it so that he could undertake the cycle he had pledged to undertake.
“This cycle is about much more than distance,” Seamy said. “It is about hope, second chances and remembering the incredible generosity of organ donors and their families. I’ve been given 24 extra years of life thanks to my donor, and I never take that for granted.”
Funds raised through the challenge will support the Irish Kidney Association’s National Kidney Support Centre, beside Beaumont Hospital, which provides free accommodation and day facilities to kidney patients and their families from throughout Ireland, and where Seamy’s family stayed when he was called for a transplant 24 years ago.
Along the route, the cyclists will be welcomed by volunteers and supporters from IKA branches and communities across the island of Ireland, helping to raise awareness locally about the charity and encourage conversations around organ donation.
The pair hope their journey will inspire people to support organ donation awareness and remind families of the importance of having conversations about organ donation.
“We are deeply grateful for all the support and encouragement already shown,” Vinney said. “Every message, donation and show of encouragement along the route will mean so much. We’d be delighted if people living along the route will come out to cheer us on.”
People can support the fundraiser by donating online to Support Malin to Mizen Head Double Cycle on iDonate.ie
You can follow the progress of the cyclists along their return journey route on the Facebook page Malin to Mizen Double Cycle – Seamy and Vinney.