Thursday 7th August 2025
After six unforgettable days on the saddle, three countries, and over 700km the moment finally came, our Northampton to Belmullet cycling team finally reached the finish line in Belmullet, County Mayo!
Local gardaí (police) gave us a proud escort into the town, guiding the team on a victory loop around Carter Square as we arrived to cheers and the sight of family and friends waving us in. The atmosphere was absolutely electric with the sense of achievement shared by everyone present, not just the cyclists, but the volunteers, organisers, and communities who had supported the journey from Northampton to Belmullet.
Once the last member of the team had stepped off their bike, Sean Ruane introduced every cyclist and crew member onto an outdoor stage, each receiving their moment of well-earned applause. Teresa, our founder, shared words of thanks for our incredible cyclists, our sponsors, and especially Paul Deane and Anthony Dixon for their roles in bringing this year’s challenge to life. Councillor Sean Carey, the Cathaoirleach (Chairperson) of Mayo County Council, also took to the stage to acknowledge that 25% of the total funds raised were being shared with six charities in the local area. These were:
Erris Youth Disability Network, which supports young people with disabilities through mentoring, education, and employment programmes.
Erris Heartbeat Defibrillator Committee, which provide defibrillators and community training throughout the Erris region.
Erris Family & Community Support Centre, which works to reduce isolation and strengthen local families.
Cara Iorrais, a voluntary cancer support centre offering practical and emotional help to patients and their families.
North West STOP, a suicide prevention service offering free, confidential counselling.
CLG Béal an Mhuirthead, the local GAA club in Belmullet promoting sport, fitness, and Irish cultural life.
Later that night, everyone gathered at O’D’s Bar, who were also one of our wonderful sponsors for this event. There, we hosted a fantastic cheque presentation for each of the charities involved. In total, this event has raised over £65,000 (and counting!) – a staggering achievement that everyone was overjoyed by. Our team gladly celebrated with friends, family and supporters, some into the early hours of the following morning! But there was some quieter satisfaction too. Every mile, every hill, every headwind, and every drop of rain had led to this moment, and the Belmullet community certainly made it a finish line worth crossing.
