Rohan cycles 650kms in six days for Spinal Injuries Ireland

Irish Paralympian Mark Rohan has just completed a 650-kilometre cycle from Porto in northern Portugal to Quinta do Lago, near Faro, in the southern part of the country.

A winner of two gold medals at the 2012 Paralympics in London, Mark undertook the cycle over six days to raise funds for Spinal Injuries Ireland.

Mark said: “This fundraising campaign is in aid of Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII). Spinal Injuries Ireland is an organisation very dear to my heart as I benefited greatly from the service they provide when I had a spinal cord injury in 2001.

"Spinal Injuries Ireland help people with spinal cord injuries to engage fully in society. They empower people to achieve personal, social and vocational goals, to live independent and fulfilling lives and to become a valued member of society,” Mark continued.

The Ballinahown native set out on the cycle on July 20, averaging over 100 kilometres per day, and completed the 650-km trek on Saturday last.

He started his cycle each day at daybreak and finished up at 12 noon in order to avoid the midday heat of the summer sun in Portugal, which can sometimes reach as high as 38 degrees Celsius.

On completing the cycle, Mark said: “While the cycle was tough at times, it's satisfying to know the money raised will benefit others who like me have had a spinal injury. The more people know about Spinal Injuries Ireland, the greater the impact."

Mark asked people to spread the word by sharing his Facebook page with friends and family members. "Go to the iDonate section on my page and give whatever you can as every little counts. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot,” added the former Castledaly and Westmeath footballer.

The fundraising drive will remain open until August 22.