Dungiven man and friend to raise money for four charities close to their hearts
The friends are set to take on 54 miles in one day in support of Foyle Hospice, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Arc Fitness and Air Ambulance NI
Two kind-hearted friends, Seamus McCloskey and Paul Lynch, who are both Foyle Search & Rescue Volunteers, are set to take on the challenge of a life-time, completing 54 miles in one day, in aid of four charities close to their hearts.
On September 14, Seamus and Paul’s endurance will be put to the test for a great cause with the ‘Foyle Adventure Challenge.’
This will consist of cycling 46km from Ebrington to Magilligan, crossing 2km through the Lough on a Kayak to Greencastle, and finishing with a 36km run from Greencastle to Ebrington. All proceeds will go towards four charities including, Foyle Hospice, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Arc Fitness and Air Ambulance NI.
Seamus and Paul’s fundraising efforts kicked off with a Big Breakfast on Saturday 14th June at Glor Dhun Geimhin, where they raised a fantastic £2,210.
Dungiven man Seamus said: “The breakfast was very successful. We lifted over £2k on the day and a further £45 in the last few days. The support has been amazing so far.”
Seamus explained: “I started fundraising for Foyle Hospice because I wanted to give something back. I’ve grew up with a culture of wanting to help others so I have always had a desire to help. I have been volunteering with Foyle Search and Rescue for almost 10 years now. I’m a local firefighter in Dungiven and I do some community response work also. The example we were set as children from our parents was always to look after each other and be kind and fundraising for charities is the perfect way to do it."
Seamus admitted: “I don’t know how to ride a bike and I have never been on a kayak before so this year’s fundraiser will be extra challenging! I have taken on the attitude of doing things I’m afraid of and pushing myself, but in the process I’m helping people which makes it all worth it!
”For myself, Foyle Hospice has a huge personal connection. Foyle hospice supports so many families and it is extremely important that we continue to support it. For Paul, its now seven years since his daughter passed away. Ruby had Down Syndrome so of course the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust was another charity close to our hearts.
“As for Air Ambulance and ARC Fitness, they provide fantastic services to the community both in the City and the wider rural community which is why we felt it was important to include them in this year’s event.
“This fundraiser will not only raise money but hopefully raise awareness of what each charity does, how they help others, and the running costs associated with them, so hopefully we can help future proof these charities who do so much for our community.”
Seamus went on to explain: “The key message we want to get across is that none of this is about us, it’s entirely about these fantastic charities and what they do. When I’m older I want to look back and say I may not be perfect and I may not always get things right but I know that my time was spent well helping others and trying my best based on how my parents taught me.”
If you would like to support Seamus and Paul’s ‘Foyle Adventure Challenge, please visit their Go Fund Me page