Cyclists close to €40,000 target for Irish Cancer Society

The Navan cyclist who went around the world to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society says the fund is now close to reaching its goal of €40,000 and that donations can still be made. Kevin McHugh, from Flower Hill, recently returned from cycling over 30,000 kilometres across 28 countries around the world in just 10 months. Kevin and his compatriot from Mullingar, Larry Mulligan, returned on Thursday 30th June, having raised €33,000 for the Irish Cancer Society, which he chose in order to honour his aunt and godmother, Patricia Reilly, who passed away on 29th March of this year, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Kevin is now adjusting to life back in Ireland and is looking for a job, having previously worked in IT for Microsoft. "Cycling has always been a part of my life, whether it was cycling to school as a six year-old, or as a teenager, making my way home from a mate's house after a night out," says Kevin. "In more recent years, I have taken it up as a sport, and am a member of Three Rock Triathlon Club. In my spare time, you will find me cycling the windy roads of the Wicklow Hills or hiking the mountains with my better half. I have done quite a bit of cycle touring over the last few years, mostly around Europe, but have never attempted something on this scale." He said that having had somebody close to him diagnosed with cancer recently, the reality of this disease hit close to home and he wanted to do all he could to contribute to the efforts of finding a cure. Kevin says the cycle was the hardest thing he had ever done and that the worst leg of the incredible journey was in southern Brazil where, for five days, the two cyclists battled a straight headwind for a "400 to 500 kilometre stretch with nothing to look at, just flatland. It was heart-wrenching stuff. There was just nothing to distract you so our average distance per day came down to something like 80 to 90 kilometres a day compared to 120 or 130 kilometres a day". Kevin says the crossing of the Andes was the most enjoyable period of the trip and that the memories and spectacular views from the mountain range will stay with him forever. Donations can still be made online at www.endurecyclechallenge.com to help the lads get closer to their target, if not surpass it, before their cheque presentation to the Irish Cancer Association in early August.