By Danny Keown
A pilot and a former hockey international will begin an epic five-and-a-half day trek around Ireland this Sunday, and are due in Sligo on Tuesday afternoon.
Pilot, Nikki Dorey, and her partner, former Irish hockey international, Lisa Jacob are to become the first all-female duo to complete the exhausting 2,150km non-stop, ‘Cycle Around Ireland’, to raise funds for the charity Suicide or Survive.
Nikki and Lisa will alternate cycling 3 hours on and 3 hours rest, in order to complete the ultra-distance. The pair will be attempting to complete the task in less than 132 hours or 5.5 days straight-starting on Sunday, August 28.
Both Women are very passionate about mental health and are fundraising €100,000 for one of Ireland’s leading mental health charities, Suicide or Survive.
What is also widespread, particularly after the same sex marriage referendum of 2015, is the closely related link between mental health and LGBT equality, especially in the young demographic.
These women have been in a long term relationship and have a very personal understanding of mental health issues that are connected to the LGBT community.
Lisa, who hails from Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, has 139 caps with the Irish Hockey team, as well as a year under her belt as part of Ireland’s Rugby 7s team. Despite her experience as an athlete, she finds the race daunting, saying, “It scared me, which meant I should probably do it. I guess mostly it’s a self-exploration.
“I guess mostly it’s a self-exploration. How will I react when things are hard? What will I learn about myself and others that will serve me well for the rest of my life? Where will this amazing journey take me? What difference can I make to people along the way?”
More from Nikki and Lisa’s story can be found in this week’s edition of the Sligo Weekender- in shops now.
Cycle couple raise funds for suicide charity,
