Donegal cyclist to attempt world record cycle in aid of Bundoran RNLI

Karol McNern from Ballyshannon who is a former lifeboat crew member and helm at Bundoran RNLI, is cycling unsupported from Malin to Mizen to Malin. The gruelling non-stop ride is set to be a test of endurance but also a fundraising effort from Karol. Bundoran RNLI is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year while the charity is marking its 200th anniversary.

Karol’s ambitious ride aims to break both the World UltraCycling Association (WUCA) record and a Guinness World Record, drawing attention to the lifesaving work of Bundoran RNLI. The funds raised will go directly to supporting the work of the volunteer crew in saving lives at sea.

Karol said: 'Having served as a crew member and a helm, I know first hand the importance of the lifeboat service to a community. This ride is my way of giving back and raising awareness for the incredible work all the Bundoran team do.'

The ride will commence at Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland, continue onto Mizen Head, the southernmost point and then return back up the country to Malin Head. Karol will face various challenges including unpredictable weather conditions, rugged terrain, and the sheer physical and mental demands of cycling non-stop across such a vast distance. He will continue this journey unsupported making it an even tougher challenge.

Supporters can make a donation and follow Karol’s progress through live updates on social media and contribute to his fundraising campaign via https://www.justgiving.com/page/bundoran-branch-1706632090719karolmcnern

Daimon Fergus, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'We are incredibly grateful to Karol for thinking of us in this way and we wish him the best of luck as he takes on this challenge. His journey is an inspiration to us all and highlights his dedication, resilience and a sense of community spirit.

'Donations from Karol’s cycle will go towards helping us maintain our lifeboat and associated equipment as well as supporting the training of our crew members, and the overall operational costs.

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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