Donegal cyclists who wandered to Bolton raise over €25,000 for two hospices

A group from Milford who cycled from Donegal Hospice in Letterkenny to Bolton Hospice have raised €25,249.10 for charity.

Paul McGinley, who lost his mother Frances McGinley to cancer two years ago - and his group of friends and family completed the cycle to raise funds for Donegal Hospice and Bolton Hospice in August, with both receiving €12,639.50.

Paul is an avid Bolton Wanderers fan and he and his wife Shauna are season ticket holders and try to make as many home games as possible.

As the highlight of a number of fundraising initiatives, the cyclists left Donegal Hospice and cycled to Belfast (197km) where they got the ferry overnight, although were forced to stay awake for the nearly nine-hour crossing with no cabin availability.

On arrival at Birkenhead, the next leg of the journey (84 km) took them to Bolton Hospice. They then attended Bolton Wanderers’ League One fixture against Exeter City, which the visitors won 2-0.

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John McGinlay, ex-Bolton Wanderers player and club ambassador, mentioned the good work the club does in supporting the hospice and so Paul decided to organise the charity cycle to benefit both the hospice that cared so well for his mother and also the town that has shown both of him and his wife such warmth and kindness.

"She was in and out of hospital for two years and then finally had a short stay in Donegal Hospice before passing away," organisers said of Paul's late mother. "Frances was such a kind and giving woman who always put others before herself. She truly was a special woman. The McGinley family were so grateful for the care Frances received in the hospice and wanted to find a way to give back whilst also commemorating Frances.”

Paul rounded up the cyclists - nine making the full trip and two doing the Irish leg - with his father Gerald McGinley (72) the first to sign up. Paul's brothers Ciaran and Gerald also accompanied him, as well as his uncle Pat Hegarty, brother-in-law Mark Scott, nephew Dylan McGarrigle, cousins Eamon and Christopher McGinley and friends, Ivan Scott and Lexie Diver. Six people drove in a van to provide refreshments and encouragement along the way.