Johnny Kane is no stranger to pushing himself and has previously won the 555km Donegal Atlantic Way Ultra Race.

This June Johnny will cycle the 640km journey solo with his wife and a few friends travelling with him as a support crew.

Speaking to the Donegal News Johnny said taking on Mizen to Malin is something he always had in his head and has decided in tandem to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society Research and Jigsaw Mental Health.

“Most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer. Some still are dealing with it. Some are still here to tell their story. Unfortunately, some are not,” said Johnny.

“Also the last two years have been tough on a lot of people. Mental health is a big problem and it will probably be years before we see the full extent of the toll it has taken.”

Johnny, who is originally from Wicklow and is married to a Donegal woman, has set a target of €5,000 to raise to be divided between the two charities.

He will travel down to Mizen on June 3 and set off the following day making his way back up to Donegal in 24 hours.

Johnny began cycling in 2012 when he was dealing with his own mental health issues.

“I picked up cycling. It is my way of dealing with it,” he said.

A charity dance is being held in Maggies Tavern, Carricmore, St Johnston on Sunday, June 5 with all money raised from ticket sales going to the charities.

Alice Lynch of Maggies Tavern has sponsored the event and there will be music by Orlaith Furey on the night. Tickets are available from Maggies Tavern by contacting 074-9148318.

A Go Fund Me page ‘Mizen 2 Malin in 24 hours’ has also been set up where donations can be made.