A dog-lover from London is cycling around the UK and Ireland in aid of Dogs Trust.
The grueling challenge will see him do around 1,100 miles – the equivalent of London to Rome. Phil Mcdermott is one-week into his fundraising effort – which started on 17 September – and has already cycled from London to Edinburgh.
Phil said: “I am not a professional cyclist or particularly fit but, having arthritis, the accomplishment I feel after cycling is amazing. I usually do a big cycle in France and was contemplating doing something here when I saw an advert for Dogs Trust’s 99k for Canines Cycle Challenge. We have a family dog – Wilbur – who we’re so lucky to have, but he is also lucky to have us.
“I’ve never cycled for so long on so many consecutive days before, and two weeks is a long time to spend on your own in the saddle, so thinking about the dogs I’m doing this for is keeping me going. I have been following the Dogs Trust Instagram account and they often post photos of dogs recently re-homed or looking for homes. Seeing photos of the dogs often makes me cry.
“They all have so much to offer, so much love to give, and they need organisations like Dogs Trust to keep them safe until their new families can find them – and then wonder how they ever lived without them. When I have been at my absolute end, with nothing left to carry on, this past week – and this is a daily occurrence – I see those dogs’ faces and remember what this is all about.”
Phil is now on his way to Belfast, with his next destination Dublin, before he makes his way to Cardiff then back to London (and home) for a finish next Friday (1 October).
He is hoping to raise £5,000 from his fundraising challenge. To sponsor Phil please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/big-phil-mcdermott1 and to follow his blog please visit https://bigphilmcdermottrides.wordpress.com/
Feeling inspired? Get on your bike with Dogs Trust in the 99k for Canines Cycle Challenge. For more details of how you can get involved visit here.
