John to bike from Mizen to Malin for his 75th birthday in aid of 'Together with Solace'

SEVENTY-FIVE miles per day biking for five days from Mizen Head to Malin Head is how Dromore's marathon runner John McCann is preparing to celebrate his upcoming 75th birthday in September.

Biking is John's secondary activity to running, although he should be the last man to take on this challenge considering he had a serious bike accident 11 years ago when he suffered a brain hemorrhage and multiple cuts to his head and face.

This is not the first time John has taken on the 375 mile distance between Ireland's most Southernly and Northerly points, as he has already ran it three times in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Speaking about the upcoming challenge, John said: "I ran the Belfast Marathon at the end of April this year, which was my 132nd and then went to Perth in Australia to visit my son Jonathan, and while there he and I done a lot of biking together.

"I really enjoyed it as it brought back great memories of taking part in Ring of Kerry and a number of 80 and 100 mile charity cycles I had done in the past few years.

"On the long haul coming home, I don't know if it was the heat in Australia or the jet lag, but I began to think about doing something different for my upcoming 75th birthday in September, as I had ran 70 miles on one day for my 70th, which does not seem like five years ago.

"A thought of biking Mizen to Malin came to mind, and after being home for a few weeks I approached a friend of mine, Andy Campbell from 'Together with Solace', a mental health and social support group in Omagh, and told him of what I was thinking.

"Very quickly, over a cuppa, it became a fundraiser for this very worthy charity which is very close of my heart.

"The dates we have chosen are September 14 to September 18, and the route will take us through Omagh on Sunday, September 17.

"Earlier that morning we will be leaving Granard in Co Longford and bike 75 miles to Newtownstewart. We are encouraging other bikes to meet us in Enniskillen, or anywhere along this route, as company and support would be much appreciated."

John is currently training for the grueling challenge, and he said that while it is tough, it is also rewarding.

"I'm biking four days per week, running two days, and resting a day, as I also have the Dublin marathon at Halloween and the New York Marathon the following week."

John has extended thanks to a range of sponsors who have ensured that every penny raised can go toward the chosen charity 'Together with Solace', including Krazy Cab, Enniskillen; The Copper Tap, Omagh; Nature and Co at Youth Sport, Omagh; Classic Service Station, and Dragon Dynasty, Dromore.

Anyone who wishes to donate to this worthy charity can do so by calling in to Top News, Omagh, Top of the Town, Omagh, or Riverfront Coffee, Omagh.

Donations can also be made online to https://www.paypal.me/solacementalhealth