Joe Hunter comes through 'the toughest thing' to raise over €10,000 for charity

Joe Hunter says the desire to raise money for charity helped him through the pain barrier to complete the 333km circuit over the weekend.

In taking part in the Donegal Ultra, Joe has already raised over €10,000 and counting for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Donegal Hospice - two organisations he sincerely thanks for caring for his late father-in-law Dermot Donohue.

Dermot was known for his creativity as a photographer and musician and sadly passed away in January from Motor Neurone Disease. By his own admission, Letterkenny native Joe hadn’t cycled ever at any level, although had experience of the Donegal Ultra 555 down the years as a support crew member.

He had always said he may take part and this year it just seemed right. So from the New Year, he began to clock up the kilmoetres on a bicycle sponsored by his cousins Mark and Darren Hunter at LK Bikes, under the tutelage of trainer Adam Speer.

“I have crewed both the 555km and 333km events multiple times over the years and have threatened to do it before but this year I am going to stop talking and get on a bike and do the 333,” Joe said before taking off.

“Adam Speer has his work cut out for him, I am not fit, and I have had minimal seat time on a bike in the last 20 years, but sure I will give it a go and all for good causes. I am raising funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Donegal Hospice, two organisations that do phenomenal work and both that have been involved with my father-in-law's care. I am probably mad but sure it will be good craic.”

On Friday morning he set off from the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny and just over 23 hours later he returned to the same place to complete the gruelling circuit.

“It was probably the toughest thing that I’ve ever done,” Joe told DonegalLive on Sunday. “And I’ve absolute respect for anyone who takes part in events like this. It was hard going but very enjoyable to get it done now.”

Joe headed off from Letterkenny towards Knockalla, Fanad, Atlantic Drive, Bloody Foreland, Derrybeg, Crolly, Annagry, Dungloe, Ardara, Glengesh, Carrick and towards home via Donegal Town and Barnesmore.

“There was a tough headwind in west Donegal,” he added. “But I kept going. It was when the weather turned things got very difficult. At one stage I sat in the support van and got something to eat. I was trying to heat up. It was so cold. I could almost see double.

“I knew there was the charity element to it and I really wanted to get home for them. They did so much for Dermot and for us, like they have for many others, and that was something I kept thinking about. I had initially set a target of €5,000 and the total had surpassed that before I even started. Throughout the event, my support team would tell me the amount raised was growing and growing and that, I suppose, made me ever more determined to see it out.

“Adam and Tony Keane, a friend of mine from Achill and now living in Ardee, have experience and they warned me I had to get going or I’d be a DNF (Did Not Finish) so away I went again. I was slow on the final stages but kept myself going drinking flat Coke and eating jelly sweets. It was great to see Letterkenny.

“I really want to thank everyone who helped me and who supported me along this journey. To my crew - Luke Daly, Nigel McGlynn and Kevin McDaid - you are legends! Adam Speer and Tony Keane, you guys got me back on the bike and on the road when things were hard.

“To my beautiful wife Eva, thanks for your support. Since day one, you have been my biggest cheerleader. Toni Kelly and Leah O’Donnell, you were superstars. A big thank you to my family at the start and finish line and to everyone who came to support me along the route. My nephew Harry, you and your sign got me over some of the toughest hills.”

Joe thanked all his sponsors - LK Bikes, Logo2Go, Watson Hire, Thymeout Cafe & Tearooms at Alcorns Garden Centre - and everyone who donated. Joe Huner’s iDonate Donegal Ultra 555 Page will remain open until September 11.

“Anyone want to buy a bike?,” was how Joe jokingly concluded his post, although joking aside he will be back in the saddle again. He said: “Adam’s work really helped me. I was accountable from day one and he really drove me on - rain, wind or shine and that’s what really helped me come the event itself. I don’t know if I’ll be doing many more endurance events but have really enjoyed the last few months and have got the bug now so I’ll be out and about soon.”