A Dubliner has set out on a cycle all around Ireland to raise money in memory of his late dad.
Joseph Foley's dad Peter sadly died in August 2017 at St Francis' Hospice in Blanchardstown. Joseph is soon heading to South America to teach English but decided to raise money for the hospice with his "Timpeall na Tire" fundraiser before he goes.
The Malahide man set out on his bike on July 2 and headed south. By July 9, Joseph had travelled 1,006 kilometres and reached the Beara Peninsula in West Cork.
“This charity is important to my family and others who were close to my dad as he spent his final weeks at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown,” he said. “I've seen first hand how kind, attentive and hardworking the staff are. I know how much the clients and their families appreciate them.”
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Joseph is aiming to cycle as much of the Irish coastline as he can in 28 days. He brought his tent and is mainly camping, but he is also staying with some family and friends along the way.
He continued: “This is something that I've wanted to do for the last few years and now that I have the opportunity, I'm going for it. While there's no guarantee I'll finish it, those who know me know how stubborn I am and that I will do all I can to get through it.”
St Francis Hospice does not charge for use of its services. The organisation is partially funded by the HSE but the charity also relies on donations to maintain their high quality services. Currently, they are improving facilities at the centre in Raheny, the area Joseph’s father grew up in.
Joseph has raised over €6,000 so far. You can donate via Joseph’s Timpeall na Tíre GoFundMe page here.
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