Crossgar student to cycle 6,000km for charity

Crossgar student to cycle 6,000km for charity

19 July 2017

PROMISING to cycle through Paris in a mankini and planning to pedal over the Dutch border with ET in his bicycle’s front basket, Ciaran Crothers is determined to add some spice to a gruelling fundraiser.

Despite the challenge of cycling solo 6,000 kilometres around Europe in just two months, the Crossgar student has accepted a few outrageous bets to boost his sponsorship.

The 28 year—old has invited others to set him dares in the hope of raising £5,000 for Save the Children, having already raised more than £600 since setting out from Portstewart 

one week ago on his bicycle with two panniers, a sleeping bag, a tent and his mankini.

Reaching Cork at the end of last week, the Marine Science student said he started off as he means to continue, enjoying some of the city’s historic sites, and a few pints of Guinness, before boarding a ferry to Roscoff in Northern France.

Keen to experience the culture of the towns and cities he passes through, to make his blog more interesting to read, Ciaran admits he got slightly waylaid in his first French stop, the picturesque town of Locquirec in Brittany.

Welcomed with open arms by the French, he said he enjoyed a few beers with new friends.

Not realising the beer was more than twice the strength of his usual lager, Ciaran said he quickly worked through three quarters of his daily budget in the pub before pitching his tent and deciding, the next morning, to stay put for the day before setting off towards Holland.

“I have set myself a budget of £35 per day for food and campsites and every now and then a hostel. Unfortunately I blew three quarters of that on alcohol last night so that means I am on bananas and water for a day,” he said.

“I have only done Ireland and Brittany so far but I am discovering you can get around the world by being Irish.

“People are inviting me in for a cup of tea or a drink, particularly in Brittany, which is Celtic.

“I have experienced such hospitality. The people have been absolutely lovely.”

Despite his lighthearted approach, Ciaran says he is determined to raise as much money as possible for Save the Children after being moved by images of Syrian children fleeing their war-torn country. He said he chose the charity because 89 pence in every pound donated will go to children.

“This is to help children who are less fortunate,” he said.

“I am hoping that people will read up on my exploits and consider donating to the appeal.

“I deliberately did not advertise my plans until I set off as training by cycling from Portstewart to Crossgar is not that interesting. I am hoping what happens en route will be more interesting to read about.”

With his route planned out, Ciaran says he will head to the Netherlands, followed by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein before finishing up in Barcelona, with plans to stay with friends in many of the countries on his way.

“My sister has said she will give me £500 if I wear a mankini in Paris — the mankini is in my bag,” he said.

“My cousin has also offered to sponsor me if I strap ET on the front of my bike so I am now looking for a stuffed ET.

“I think people underestimate the lack of respect I have for myself. It will all be in the name of fun but it is for Save the Children.”

Ciaran can be supported through his just giving page Ciaran’s European Cycle, while his story will be told through his Facebook page under the same title.