Man to ride from Mizen Head to Malin Head in aid of cancer and Alzheimer’s

1 July 2015

NEWCASTLE cyclist Dennis Ward is preparing for a 350-mile challenge to raise money for two leading charities.

Dennis leaves Mizen Head in Cork in the Republic on July 18 to make the long trek north to Malin Head in Donegal to raise cash for the Children’s Cancer Fund and the Alzheimer’s Society. He hopes to complete his journey in 26 hours.

A founder member of the Shimna Wheelers Cycling Club, 67 year-old Dennis is planning to complete the journey non-stop, excluding comfort and food breaks. He plans to set off during the early hours of the morning and will have an all-important support crew carrying a spare bike, other spares and food and drink.

Dennis has been preparing for the marathon cycle by clocking up the miles, mixing up his preparations with 100, 150 and 200-mile stints as he prepares for what he has described as a “particularly tough challenge”

The training routes Dennis has chosen are more akin to a Sunday drive in the car than on two wheels, with the 100-mile route starting and finishing in his home town via Carlingford, Newry, Camlough and Banbridge

For the longer routes, he sets off from Newcastle, into Carlingford and on to Monaghan, before he hits Omagh and then heads for home via Dungannon, Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge.

Dennis had planned to complete the sponsored cycle last year but was forced to abandon it after he fell off his bike while riding the mountain bike trails in Castlewellan Forest Park.

“I fell off and broke a rib,” said Dennis. “I was determined to do the challenge this year, with my preparations beginning in earnest from January onwards.”

Having cycled for almost 35 years, Dennis explained problems with his ankles mean that walking or running in the name of charity are non-starters. He said riding a bike is different as there is no pressure on his ankles, one of which will be operated on within weeks of completing the marathon cycle challenge that awaits.

Dennis said he has chosen to raise funds for the Cancer Fund for Children and the Alzheimer’s Society with the thoughts of the families whose loved ones are suffering very much in mind.

“I think about families whose children have cancer and people whose loved ones can no longer remember the happy memories they enjoyed throughout their lives because they have Alzheimer’s.

“Times are hard for those who suffer from cancer and dementia but it’s also very tough for their families. That is my motivation for this cycle ride.”

He added: “While I will be suffering during the event and during my recovery for a short period, it is nothing compared to what these families are going through. My motivation is

that I am raising money to help others.

“A challenge is not something you should enjoy and I am not looking forward to the 350-mile cycle, but I do know that it is all in a good cause. I know what is ahead of me and am as prepared as I can be.”

Anyone interested in supporting the Newcastle man’s fundraising efforts can do so by logging on at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DennisWard.

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