Wheels in motion for nurse's 23,000km charity excursion from Leitrim border to Sydney

Right on the border of Leitrim, a nurse from Arigna, Roscommon, is gearing up for an epic 23,000km bikepacking journey that will take him across Europe and Asia, all the way to Sydney, in the name of two local charities close to his heart. 

Fergal Guihen, a general nurse currently working in the Sligo emergency department conceived the idea roughly one year ago, and he now aims to raise funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice and NorthWest Stop, a suicide prevention organisation in the North-West.

The inspiration came from his grandmother, who suggested that if he was going to embark on such a journey, he should do it for a local charity. Drawing on personal connections, he chose Mayo Roscommon Hospice, after his family received their support when his great grandmother passed away in 2016 at the remarkable age of 99.

"I thought no better charity. I also wanted to do it for North West Stop, which is a suicide prevention in the North West of Ireland. Obviously, coming from a rural area, it's unfortunately a much-needed charity," Fergal stated.

The route he hopes to take will bring the ambitious 25 year-old through several countries, starting in Roscommon, and after hopping off the ferry from Dublin to Cherbourg, he will wind through France, Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, and the Balkans, before heading eastward into Asia.

The proposed route covers a staggering distance, including routes through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and, if all goes well for the cyclist, China.

With such a journey planned through virtually unknown areas, Fergal's family had some initial concerns. He recounted a conversation with his grandmother about how he hopes to keep safe through these different places.

"The way I broke it down to her was this: I asked, 'Do you think Dublin's safe?' She said, 'No.' Then I asked, 'Well, do you think Ireland's safe?' and she said, 'Yes.' I explained that in many of these countries, I won't be passing through the Dublins; instead, I'll be going through the Leitrims and the Kerrys and that's where you meet the heart of each country," he shared.

Addressing the question of visas, Fergal admitted, "Obviously, you don't know with a lot of them whether you get them, so I can't apply for any visas now." He acknowledged the ease of navigating through Europe but stated the uncertainty that lies ahead once he reaches countries like Turkey and beyond. "When I get to Istanbul or Athens, I'm gonna have to visit loads of embassies there," he continued.

With wars ongoing across the globe, Fergal detailed his route's proximity to these conflicts: "I'm actually going below the war in Ukraine and Russia and above the war in Palestine and Israel. So I'm kind of going through the middle corridor, it's called, through Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, all that."

He emphasised the importance of solo travel to truly immerse oneself in different cultures. "If you were to visit, I don't know, faraway places with another Westerner, you kind of view everything through a Westerner's eyes," he explained.

Surprisingly, it's not his mother but his father who is finding it challenging to come to terms with the impending departure. "People think my mother is feeling the worst, but it's actually my father," he chuckled. "My dad is distraught over me leaving. The thought of me camping in the middle of the Gobi Desert, he's actually almost in tears!"

However, despite initial concerns, Fergal expressed that his family is gradually coming around to the idea, understanding the noble reasons behind his journey. "They know I'm doing it for a good cause," he explained. The nurse is hopeful that, through social media and other platforms, he can share the positive aspects of the countries he'll be passing through, challenging stereotypes and encouraging people to consider lesser-known destinations for travel.

With a departure date set for March 10 2024, Fergal has been in contact with other travellers about their similar excursions, and how he can navigate the trip to the best of his ability. Now, he is not only preparing for the physical challenges of this month-long journey but also actively seeking support through donations, which are open until March 31, 2025. 

As the departure date approaches, Fergal remains open to fellow cycling enthusiasts who may want to join him on this extraordinary adventure. For those interested in contributing to the cause or following the journey, details about the fundraiser and Fergal's progress can be found on Instagram and iDonate.