Pals cycle 800km for paralysed dad
‘TEAM GALEN’ COMPLETE FUND-RAISING TRIP
A TEAM of cyclists took on an 800km challenge last week to raise funds for Greystones dad Galen English (37), who was paralysed in a biking accident.
Eleven intrepid cyclists set off from the Cycle Plus bike shop in Greystones to begin a fourday odyssey, pedalling from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal.
They used pedal power alone to get from the southern-most tip of Ireland to the most northerly place in the country in the space of only four days.
Their friend Galen’s life changed dramatically last Autumn. The journalist was out cycling, training for an Ironman triathlon last September, when he was in a collision near Newtownmountkennedy which left him paralysed from the chest down.
After spending some time in the Mater Hospital Dublin and then in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, Galen is now back home with his family
His home needs to be completely adapted to accommodate Galen and this is why the fundraising campaign is underway.
He and his wife Michelle welcomed the birth of their fourth child just this week.
Galen’s friend Will Golby, who was the main organiser of the attempt, was undaunted by the 800km challenge, and he got lots of training in prior to the journey.
‘We have all been so impressed by Galen’s reaction since the accident.
‘He has remained so positive and upbeat and is already talking about sports he plans to try. We just wanted to do something to help him on his journey,’ said Will.
‘Why make our cycle trip so hard? Because we want to justify the generous support we have received to do something significant for Galen.’
The team covered a gruelling 180km every day, making stops in Tarbert in County Kerry, Lennaune in County Galway and also in Sligo town before finishing off at Malin Head, County Donegal.
Will said that the challenge was very hard. He and Galen know each other from Bray Wheelers and their shared love of cycling. Galen is in very positive form and looking forward to all of the new challenges ahead.
Cyclist Wayne Morris from the Cycle Plus shop in Greystones, who were one of the trip’s main sponsors, said Galen had always loved athletic challenges.
He added that he had already shown his interest in getting a handcycle which might one day enable him to take part in the Paralympics.
Many local people have responded to the appeal for Galen, who was an enthusiastic year-round sea swimmer as well as a runner and cyclist prior to the accident.
The reporter previously worked at the Evening Herald and more recently the Daily Mail.
His friends and colleagues in both newspapers have been very supportive.
To make a donation to the ongoing campaign go to www.teamgalen.com.