Andrew’s 1,618-mile cycle around the Irish coast for St Barnabas House

Setting off on Sunday 10 July, Andrew Stewart, 49, from Ashington, is aiming to complete the Pan Celtic Ultra 2022 in just 10 days to raise funds for St Barnabas House hospice, who cared for his father-in-law in 2017. The breath-taking route follows the Irish Coast, and has an overall race distance of 1,618 miles, with 65,850 ft of elevation gain.

“I’ve always loved cycling and challenging myself,” says Andrew. “And as I approach 50 years old, I wanted to really push myself, so I signed up to the Pan Celtic Ultra 2022! I’ve never visited Ireland before, or cycled this distance, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

With not long to go until Andrew embarks on his endurance challenge, his training is in full swing. “I’m training most days,” says Andrew. “I’m doing a lot of short rides and longer weekend rides. My biggest training ride to date was 400 miles from Sussex to Devon with one-night wild camping. The conditions were tough for that ride, as it was windy and rainy, but it was a great opportunity for me to practise carrying all my equipment and camping gear as I’ll be wild camping on the route!”

Starting in Wales with a short cycle along the Welsh coastline before getting a ferry to Rosslare, Ireland, the Pan Celtic Ultra 2022 takes in the towering cliffs, enchanting villages, ancient monuments, and wild terrain of Ireland’s coastline.

Andrew is aiming to complete the ultra-endurance 1,618-mile cycle challenge in 10 days and has already raised over £470 for St Barnabas House hospice. Speaking about his fundraising, he says, “I want to take on this challenge for my father-in-law who died in 2016. At this difficult time, he was cared for by St Barnabas House and the care they gave him was just incredible.”