Mizen to Mallon charity cycle raises £5,000

Mizen to Mallon charity cycle raises £5,000

28 May 2014

TWO Ballynahinch teachers who cycled the length of Ireland together have raised over £5,000 for charity. Paul Marks and Richard Mottram set themselves the daunting Mizen Head to Mallon Head 430 mile challenge over the Easter weekend — with the aim of completing their route in just 30 hours.

They managed it in 29, and the money raised is going towards the Mourne Mountain Rescue team and technology equipment at Ballynahinch High School.

Paul, the school vice-principal, who is a full-time member of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, said the cycle was a fantastic opportunity for the two cyclists to make a difference to the school, while helping the local rescue service. A team effort, they were accompanied by four teachers, a cameraman and a minibus full of cycling equipment for the early start on Good Friday morning.

“The weather was fantastic with little wind and we were so happy to embark on such an adventure also knowing we were raising funds for the worthwhile charities made it all the better,” said Mr. Marks.

“Within the first hour we came to our first climb. Maybe it was the excitement, or maybe poor bike maintenance on my part, but as soon as I pushed hard my chain snapped. A scraped leg and a bit of confusion were my only injuries, so I thought myself lucky. The spare bike came out of the minibus and before I knew it we were off again leaving the team to fix the chain.

“After eight hours we were still in Cork. We had no idea just how big the county was. We stopped in a town called Croom and had dinner, which I couldn’t keep down. Shortly after we arrived in Limerick and got a little bit lost, however the upside now is that I now know Limerick like the back of my hand we did so many laps of it.”

Nenagh as darkness fell, Athlone as the sun rose and Cavan came next, followed by a spirit lifting cycle into Fermanagh.

“In County Fermanagh we met our parents, which gave us another lift, and then we were joined in Omagh by Nigel Proctor, a fellow member of Mourne Mountain Rescue, who kept us going with encouragement, sweets and threats,” Mr. Marks continued.

Describing themselves as “getting delirious” the pair entered County Donegal after 26 hours of cycling, and Malin Head was before them.

“The ground was steep and at times dangerous but we arrived to the hill top finish after 29 hours, exhausted and very, very happy,” said Mr. Marks.

“Without the support of the team — Edith and Jack Finley, Niall Uprichard, Latimer Adair and Greg Coyle — who stayed awake 29 hours and then drove us back to Ballynahinch, we couldn’t have done it. I can only say I have the most tremendous amount of respect for them. Thanks to them for their hard work and giving up their time over their Easter weekend.

“Thanks to all the people who sponsored and supported us, allowing us to raise over £5,000 for Mourne Mountain Rescue and the school. Lastly thanks to our families who, without their patience, understanding and support, it just wouldn’t have been possible.”