This weekend, three employees of Powerpoint Engineering in Portlaoise completed their massive 576 km cycle from Malin Head in Donegal to Slea Head in the Dingle Peninsula.
With a strong Laois focus, so far 313 people have donated an incredible €29,881 to their GoFundMe to raise much needed funds for DEBRA Ireland.
Inspired by Emma Fogarty from Abbeyleix who suffers from the chronic skin condition EB, Conor McGarry, Johan Erasmus and David Phelan with vehicle support from Liam Davis have been training hard during lockdown ahead of this mammoth challenge.
“It’s been brilliant, the weather was on our side most of the time and conditions were ideal for the cycle” said David.
“We had some tough challenges, particularly on day 3 when the bodies were tired and we weren’t sure if the legs would make it over the 5.1 km Connor Pass but we pushed through and were thrilled to make it to Slea Head yesterday evening.
“It was great to have support at the end line from Rosie & Jim, family and friends”
“Our 3 day Cycle for DEBRA Ireland has ended but what an experience it was” added Johan.
“The scenery was spectacular, hugging the Wild Atlantic Way with an overnight on Innis Oirr.
“We had some standout moments like our chance meeting with Willie Gordon at 7am Friday morning at the top of Malin Head. His son suffers from EB just like Emma and his wife had already donated to our fundraiser. What a co-incidence and what a way to start our journey.
“We are on our way home now but would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone that supported us and a special thank you to Emma. Emma is a very special young Laois lady.
“For people who wish to still donate or just catch up on our trip, visit our GoFundMe page Cycle for DEBRA Ireland,” said Conor.
While the cycle is now finished, donations are still very much welcome. If you would like to support the team’s efforts you can donate to “Cycle for DEBRA Ireland” by visiting their GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/cycle-for-DEBRA-ireland
