So, being a keen cyclist & married to a Donegal woman it was always on my "bucket list" to cycle the journey up to see my in-laws at some stage.

During the lockdown I decided that the next time we're heading up the road I'll chance it on two wheels, This Saturday July 25th I'll set out at 6am & cover the 285km from Naas to Ballyliffin in Inishowen.

But surely this self-flagellation should help support something bigger than a tick off my bucket list. So only this morning I've been in touch with the Carndonagh Community Hospice. A completely self-funded, selfless committee providing invaluable services in an area often overlooked by our Government.

Carndonagh Community Hospice operates two wards at the local hospital & provides support to adults & children travelling to Galway & Dublin for Cancer treatment. They fund overnight stays for parents close to these hospitals, help with transport & fund carer services for those that wish to stay at home. They also offer counselling & bereavement support. This is all done on a voluntary basis & only possible through self funding & the generosity of the local community.

"Suffering" is a common term used in cycling circles but at least after around 200km when my legs start burning I can think of the real suffering & the real heroes volunteering to make really tough situations a little bit easier & hopefully raise some much needed funds along the way.