Derry man to cycle over 1,000 miles in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue

Jack Toland, who cycled to Cork last month with his friend Kyle Friel Curran, raised over £1,130 for the charity.

He is now planning to take on the Wild Atlantic Way to raise further funds for the organisation, which is considered to be the city’s fourth emergency service.

Jack will set of from Derry and travel to Malin Head, before cycling over 1,000 miles along the scenic coastline.

He hopes to reach Cork in under a week and aims to cycle approximately 70 miles each day.

Jack only began cycling in February this year and said it has helped his own mental health, particularly during lockdown.

He said he began suffering from depression after his father’s sudden death and initially found walking helped.

“Then a friend sold me a bike and I stared cycling round the city everyday. It has helped my mental and physical health so much. I stopped cycling at the start of lockdown, but began again to give me something to focus on.

“I had an operation on my back a few years ago and I was told I would never be able to walk the same. The way I am when I am out cycling is just unbelievable.”

The Ballymagroarty man was spurred on to support Foyle Search and Rescue after witnessing them in action in a search operation.

“I contacted them about doing a fundraiser with my friend Kyle and set off a couple of days later. My brother and nephew were in a support car as much of the route was on busy roads.

“We only slept for about ten hours during the cycle, as we couldn’t stay where we had originally planned to. We had to cycle through thunderstorms and really heavy rain but it was all worth it.”

Jack said he was proud that they were able to raise so much money for FSR.

“I was completely shocked and blown away because we had set a target of £500. This time I have set a target of £1,000 and it would be really great if I can reach it. Foyle Search and Rescue are unbelievable at saving lives and deserve all the help they can get.”

He said he hopes to continue doing long distance cycles for charity in the future and would like to complete the full circuit of Ireland.

“I have never been out of Ireland and in the future I would also love to cycle around Scotland.”

To donate visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JackToland