County Derry man Danny to continue charity cycle plans despite being knocked off bike
A Desertmartin man has proved just how determined he is to complete a mammoth charity cycle he has planned for July, after getting back on his bike following a collision last weekend.
Although he is relatively new to the sport, Danny McStravock will cycle around Lough Neagh, once clockwise and once anti-clockwise in a bid to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Ahead of the 150 mile challenge which will take place on July 13, the 54 year-old is currently undertaking an intense training programme. He believes that if you ‘put your mind to it, you can do anything.’
Despite his positive outlook, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for Danny.
Earlier this month, he suffered an Achilles injury which impacted his training schedule. Then, last Saturday morning, while cycling through Dungannon, Danny was knocked from his bike during a collision with a car.
Luckily, Danny suffered only cuts and bruises but determined to complete his training session, Danny remarkably got back on his bike and continued.
The seriousness of the accident hasn’t been lost on the dad-of-four. He is fully aware of the dangers posed to cyclists but nevertheless, he is determined to complete his charity cycle.
“I only started cycling two years ago after giving-up cigarettes. I decided I needed to improve my fitness and lose weight. It was difficult at the start but I soon got the cycling bug,” said Danny.
He continued: “I would urge anyone who is thinking about taking up cycling to give it a go. I believe that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Before I started cycling, I don’t believe I ever thought I would be doing a charity cycle.
“Training for the cycle has been so far pretty good apart from a spill with a taxi in Dungannon last Saturday morning. I was at the traffic lights when I was knocked off the bike. I was lucky enough to escape with minor injuries, nothing too serious but there was £300 worth of damage to the bike. I was very shook-up but I just got back on the bike and kept going for another 60 miles. I made it back to Randalstown before I felt any pain.
“This was a close call but as a cyclists, you have to be aware of the dangers every time you are out on the road, especially the lack of patience from drivers. However I’m not going to let this put me off, I am determined to continue cycling and seeing this fundraiser through,” said Danny.
Explaining why he has chosen the Alzheimer’s Society, he said: “I have a very good friend, whose mother has been living with Alzheimer’s for the past eight years or more. After completing a charity cycle for Charis cancer care last year, I promised her I would fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Society.”
Danny has set himself a target of £1,000, he said that so far, he has received ‘great support locally.’
“I have set myself a target of £1,000. I like to have a target as it gives you something to aim for. So far the support I have received locally has been great. I am hopeful that we should reach the target but every little helps.”
If you would like to support Danny’s fundraising campaign, donations can be made through Justgiving:www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Danny-McStravock alternatively Danny can be contacted on 07709611910.