DARING Falcarragh man Brendan Hone has raised over €7,000 for Donegal Cancer Flights and Services.
This August, Brendan Hone is aiming to recreate a remarkable Magheraroarty to Tory Island windsurf crossing, 22 years after completing the original challenge.
All funds raised will go to the vital Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, based at Donegal Airport.
Brendan, who recently retired as manager of Donegal Community Inclusion Training Service (DCITS), previously completed the crossing in 2004 for Solas Donegal, an outdoor walking programme that supports people in their mental health recovery.
At 68, Brendan is aware that he might not have the same fitness levels as before, but that’s not deterring him from the challenge.
Speaking to the Donegal News, he said: “I’m an OCD windsurfer, that’s how I describe myself.”
The cause that Brendan is raising funds for this time around is one that is close to his heart.
Brendan and his wife Joy use Donegal Cancer Flights and Services to travel to Dublin.
Joy has stage 4 cancer and avails of chemotherapy treatment in the Mater Hospital.
The charity service provides subsidised flights for cancer patients and their loved ones in Donegal, meaning they can avoid the tiring long drives to Dublin and back for treatment.
Living about 20 minutes away from Donegal Airport, Brendan said it is another 20 minutes to get on the flight and 45 minutes to fly to Dublin.
He praises the care and empathy provided by those who run the service, in particular Mary Coyle, who was pivotal in the campaign to restore the afternoon flight, which was temporarily ceased earlier this year.
“The flights are so good,” he said. “They accommodate so many patients. They do such great work.”
Brendan attempted the crossing on Friday and reached within a mile of Tory after about two and a half hours on the water. However, Brendan fell from the boat and he was unable to get the sail up and running again due to unsuitable conditions.
On Friday, there were eight knots of wind and a big swell in the waves.
“You need about 14 to 16 knots of wind to get going,” explained Brendan.
Determined to complete his challenge, Brendan is aiming to make another attempt during better conditions before the end of this month.
“I want to do whatever I can to help Donegal Cancer Flights and Services,” he said. “I just want to get out there and get it done.”
The last time Brendan completed the crossing back in 2004, he enjoyed “perfect conditions” on the way over, only taking 22 minutes.
However, a storm left him stranded on Tory for three days.
In 2004, Brendan was accompanied by the late Henry O’Donnell in a support boat.
Brendan is joined out on the water by a safety boat provided by Sheephaven Sub Aqua Club, and he wishes to thank them and Anne Boyle for their help.
He has received lots of support from people in his locality too.
“People are so generous,” he said..
You can support Brendan’s fundraiser on the GoFundMe page entitled Brendan Hone’s Magheraroarty to Tory Windsurfing Challenge.