Cyclists raise €20,000 for Purple House through Four Peaks Challenge
A dozen cyclists got a warm welcome in Bray last Friday, after completing the Round Ireland Purple House Four Peaks Cycling and Climbing Challenge, and raising more than €20,000.
For the first time ever attempted, a group of 12 cyclists have cycled around Ireland to each of the highest Peaks in each province and then climbed to the summit of each peak over the course of seven days. They cycled up to Purple House in Bray last Friday afternoon after their amazing feat was complete.
This is the first time the challenge has ever been done with- out driving between peaks. One of the cyclists Alan Carroll took part to support his girlfriend who is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer.
The group set off from Purple House at 6 a.m. on Saturday, August 11.
Over the seven days, they climbed the four highest mountains in Ireland and cycled 1,225km all for Purple House and their work supporting families affected by cancer.
The challenge is the brainchild of Danny McDermott who has completed a number of epic cycling challenges before such as cycling from Bray to Istanbul for Purple House in 2016.
Danny was joined by Lon- don 2012 Irish Paralympic Cyclist Cathal Miller as well as a number of serious cyclists and supporters of Purple House Cancer Support. The full team is: Danny McDermott, Cathal Miller, Phil Guthrie, Michael McLoughlin, Michael Murray, Alan Carroll, Brett Birthisel, Padraig O’ Dwyer, Phelim Lynch, Gavin Mcloughlin, Stephen Bradley, Nathan Reardon, and Anne Miller.
This challenge included some very long days in the saddle, such as day from Swinford to Newry where they cycled 235km.
Their mission brought the athletes to the top of Lugnaquilla, Carrauntoohil, Mweelra and Slieve Donard.