Ultra Cycling for Charity “Mental Health Visits Every Family”

yellow and black love print
Photo by Nuno Ricardo on Unsplash

“MENTAL health visits every family” are the words from Ultra Cyclist Alan Heaney as he prepares for an epic ultra cycle journey from Cork to Donegal to raise funds for mental health charities.  Farmers, agribusiness, media and cyclists are coming together for the major fundraising drive to raise funds for 3 mental health charities – Turn2me, Mindspace Mayo, and Make the Moove, a Macra na Feirme mental health initiative.
This year, they will be cycling the Wild Atlantic Way covering 2,100km over 6.5 days, starting on Sunday 18th July in Cork and finishing on Sat 24thin Derry. This is not their first adventure, they have taken on an ultra-cycling challenge every year for the last 5 years.

Since 2016, they have completed 6,723 km over 5 different cycles in just 18 days in 5 different countries, while raising an incredible €172,456 for various local and national charities.

Last year, despite the terrible weather, the lads had a very successful campaign on their 32 county adventure, cycling through each county of Ireland, totalling 1,900km in just 6 days and raising a massive €84,413 in return.

Some of their other mammoth cycles have been Lourdes to Knock – June 2109 – 2,000km in 5 days and Lands End to John O Groats – June 2018 – 1,600km in 4 days.

This year’s theme is based on promoting “self care – physical fitness and mental wellbeing” and the ultra cyclists have chosen 3 charity partners who offer super confidential support to all people in need and particularly those struggling with mental health.
The events have always been self-financed by the cyclists and 100% of all the proceeds collected go directly to the all the deserving charities.

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Speaking about the challenge Alan Heaney, Ultra Cyclist said “We are very appreciative of all the support from our Sponsors, Donors and Followers who have been very generous and supported us along the way. This year’s theme is “self care – physical fitness and mental wellbeing” and we are keen to raise awareness in this area and are delighted to be raising funds for the 3 deserving charities. This year, the ultra cycle is going to be bigger and better; cycling the epic Wild Atlantic Way in just 6.5 days will be a huge task. As a farmer and business owner it’s all about creating awareness of mental health.  It visits every family, in every way, whether it’s work-related, whether it’s relationship-related, whether it’s finance-related, whatever it is, it’s everywhere. It’s in everyone’s house”.

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