Fifty years ago, Armagh fundraising champion, Willie Nugent set out on his first ever charity cycle and now – exactly half a century later – he will once again take to two wheels to raise money for Evora Hospice.
Willie’s first cycle on September 17, 1975 took him a total of 80 miles from Donegal town to Armagh city.
Just four years later, Willie more than tripled the distance of his first attempt, completing his longest cycle ever from Armagh to Knock, County Mayo and back again… a whopping distance of 301 miles!
Now 77 years of age, Willie will once again don his helmet and high vis as he takes on the almost-marathon distance of 23.4 miles from Armagh to Newry on the very same date as his first charity cycle in 1975.
His mission is to raise vital funds for Evora Hospice, a specialist, palliative care charity providing care to individuals with complex life-limiting conditions who live within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust Region.
Over the years Willie has always remained active through walking his four-legged companions – sometimes up to three times a day – and cycling.
Proving that age is only a number, the fundraiser said: “Whatever your age, being active can help you lead a healthier and happier life, exercise is good for your physical and mental health and the good news is it’s never too late to start!”
He has set himself a target of £500 through a JustGiving page and has already surpassed £300 in donations.
Click here to make a donation to Willie’s Charity Cycle JustGiving page.
