Seventy-year-old motor neurone disease sufferer completes mammoth charity cycle

A group of cyclists from Castleknock in Dublin last week completed a gruelling 660km cycle from Mizen to Malin Head in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Amongst the group undertaking the mammoth six day trek was seventy-year-old Eddie Greene who was diagnosed with the debilitating disease before Christmas last year.

Eddie and ten companions endured lashing rain, howling winds and mountain detours during the journey which saw them cover over 100km on average each day since setting out over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

“We all found it tough with the weather and it must be particularly hard on Eddie even though he doesn’t show it too often — he is, as always, an inspiration,” cyclist Dave Garrett told the Irish Examiner.

Despite enduring some difficulties as a result of his condition, Eddie remained positive throughout and was helped by those accompanying him on the cycle and the support of the public.

“He doesn’t have great power in one arm but he’s doing fine so far, we’re looking after him and he’s going along well,” said another rider George Chambers.

“He’s been very positive [since being diagnosed], he just doesn’t look too far ahead.”

Eddie Greene who completed the six-day cycle from Mizen to Malin head.

Along the way, the group stopped in Mallow; Eddie’s hometown of Limerick; Galway; Sligo; Ballybofey and finally Malin Head.

“I was reflecting on the trip so far [and] I think it has made each of us value our friendship and camaraderie more than ever. We are all from different backgrounds and professions but have come together for our friend to help him achieve his goal,” Mr Garrett added.

“The trip has certainly made me, and I would say others, reflect on our own mortality and consider that whatever time in this life that remains for you it should be lived to the end and to the full.”

The group, and Eddie in particular, also extended their thanks to all those who helped them along the way and the wider public for their support throughout their journey.

If you’d like to support the group’s efforts and donate to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association visit http://www.mycharity.ie/event/life_to_the_end_mizen_to_malin/.