The Kindness of Strangers: The 10,000 miles challenge for Ardnashee continues

CYCLISTS taking part in an energy sapping 10,000 miles challenge for Ardnashee School have this week been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.

Stranded by the roadside at Bellarena, Co. Derry, following a 66k trek which began in Derry city centre, three of the cyclists found themselves involved in a 'disastrous' scenario for the average amatuer.

One of the group busted his back tyre after hitting a dreaded pothole, causing an irreparable puncture on a remote country road in the shadow of Binevenagh mountain.

Without a spare and faced with a long walk home with a broken bike in tow or the option of phoning the other half having already been away from home for eight hours on his day off, neither option was appealing for the helpless cyclist.

Fortunately, however, a kind passer-by decided to stop and offer his assistance.

Nigel Sherrard from the small Co. Antrim town of Moss-side offered to go above and beyond the call of duty and take the stranded cyclist back home to Derry with the broken bike in the boot as the other two jumped back on their saddles to complete their 100k journey.

And not only did the kind stranger drive the whole way into the maiden city but then offered a generous cash donation to the Ardnashee School fundraiser. An incredible gesture!

It's just a taste of the fantastic support and encouragement the group has received from members of the public and local businesses during the past fortnight since they set out on their ambitious cycle, which has already raised over £5,000 for the Racecourse Road school for children with special needs.

The group, namely Dee O'Hara, Gary Curran, Darren Boyle, Ryan McGee, Mark Crossan, Simon Collins, David Walker, James McMonagle, Marty McNutt and John McConnell, have notched up an incredible 4,263.99km in just two weeks - the distance from Derry to Cairo!

There were plenty more challenges during the second week and a few scrapes (notably Ryan McGee's stylish fall over the handlebars) but the week was capped off on Sunday with a leisurely trip into Buncrana for the traditional pink and whites.

With 10 weeks still to go the challenge is really beginning to take its toll and one of the organisers, Dee O'Hara says the group are 'overwhelmed' by all the support so far and has urged the public to keep getting behind the challenge.

"We would like to thank you for all your support so far and we've been truly overwhelmed by the generosity," he said. "We're only two weeks in and we've already raised 5,000 which is unbelievable. The support we've received from local businesses and the public has been fantastic.

"I initially got involved in the charity because my good friend, Paul's son goes to Ardnashee and I've seen first hand what they do with the children and how he comes home with a smile on his face. They go above and beyond for the children."

Ardnashee parent, Paul Ryan has a six year old son, Paul who has Patau's Syndrome, a rare genetic condition and he explains how crucial the school and teachers have been for his development over the years.

The local businessman is more a fair weather cyclist by his own admission but he bought his first road bike donned the cycling shorts and given his support to the lads when joining them on one of their cycles this week.

It's been much needed encouragement and good to see another friendly face on the road and Paul explained why he's delighted to be a part of the challenge.

"My son Paul goes to the school and the fundraiser was a great idea especially with things being the way they are at the minute with children not being at school and you can really tell how much they miss it.

"That daily routine and getting that hands on, one on one attention from the teachers, is brilliant to see. He's out of his routine at the minute but he loves to get in to see his teachers, Lynda, Lisa, Allison and Christine.

"Everything they've done for him in the past, bringing him on, taking his swimming and helping him do things we never thought he would be able to do.

"So it's a great cause. The kids love the school and every bit of help is crucial. The money will be going to a great cause."

The group would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous donations; Just Vape, Pro Gym, Wicked Vapours, The Mindset Junkie, Liquid State e-cig shop, The Fitness Box, Pro Gym, With Love Recipes,We Do It All Maintenance and media sponsors, The Derry Journal and Highlight Magazine.

If you wish to donate please do so here.