This Saturday, a group of cyclists will be making the journey from UCD in Dublin down to Wexford, all to raise vitally needed funds for the Peter McVerry Trust. It’s no easy feat, either - the route is over 130km in length, with an elevation gain of 1,391m. The Wexford Cycle has been raising money for the charity since 1990, and is the biggest fundraising event for the Peter McVerry Trust. The trust works with young homeless people in Dublin, providing them with invaluable resources.

Eddie Keelan (Head of Procurement at The Doyle Collection) will be cycling on Saturday 19^th September, and here he tells us about how he’s trained, why he’s doing it and what he’s looking forward to.

When did you decide to complete the cycle? What made you want to do it? 

I am very lucky to get out cycling regularly and as a keen cyclist, I always like to make the most of this passion by taking part in charity events. The Peter McVerry Trust is a very worthwhile charity, raising funds to provide accommodation for young kids living rough across the streets of Dublin.    

Do you cycle regularly? Have you completed a similar event in the past?

Yes I do, and in the past I have completed the Ring of Kerry for ‘Pieta House’, and completed some stages in ‘Cycle Against Suicide’. I also do a lot of other charity cycle events when I can.     

How have you been training?  

Every weekend I try to get out and do an average of four hours cycling, and during the week I try and get a few hours in on the evenings.

What are you looking forward to the most? 

I am looking forward to being part of an event which will make such a huge difference to homeless kids across the streets of Dublin. The goal of Peter McVerry Trust is to reduce homelessness, drug misuse and social disadvantage. Last year, they have worked with 4,460 young people through their homeless services, housing services, drug treatment services and under 18s residential services.

There's no doubt that the need of homeless people is great, and its events like this one which make it possible for them to continue their work and to move as many as they can out of homelessness. Events like this one provide support and help reduce homelessness and ensure many lives are changed for the better. 

How will you prep in the week leading up to the cycle? 

I will try and get plenty of rest, put in some light gym work and get plenty of liquids and carbs in! 

The best of luck to Eddie and all of the other cyclists!