Three volunteers from Donegal will be pedalling all the way from Mizen to Malin Head this May as part of a major fundraiser for Irish Guide Dogs.
Jennifer Doherty, the Chairperson of the Donegal branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, will be taking part alongside her tandem pilot Donal McGuinness and fellow branch member Stephanie Darch.
Their week-long journey begins in Cork on 17th May and they are scheduled to finish on 23rd May at Ireland’s most northerly point.
For Jennifer Doherty, this endeavour marks a new chapter in her impressive history of conquering challenges. The Buncrana woman, who was born blind, summited Mount Kilimanjaro last year, trekked to Everest Base Camp in 2022 and in 2023 she became the first blind person to conquer Ireland’s 7 Summits.
She is also in the running for a Local Women Sport Award by Local Women magazine, with the awards ceremony taking place this Saturday in Belfast.
While cycling is a relatively new pursuit for Jennifer, each year she has visited Malin Head to cheer on those completing the charity challenge.
This time, however, she’ll be arriving under her own pedal power.
The challenge, now running more than 20 years, is the only charity cycle of its kind that is inclusive of people who are visually impaired.
Jennifer always said she would do it one year – and it was Donal McGuinness who gave her the push to take the step for 2025.
McGuinness, from Dunkineely, will be Jennifer’s eyes on the road as her tandem pilot. Donal is a member of the Tir Chonaill GAP Cycling Club with a strong track record of fundraising for the charity.
Closer to home, Jennifer also cycles in the gym and hits the road with Melissa Quigley and Colm Maguire, who jumped at the chance to support her with the tandem training.
The challenging hills of Inishowen, including the notorious Mamore Gap, have provided the perfect training ground.
Jennifer and Donal training for the Mizen2Malin Charity Cycle in all weathers
Looking ahead to 17th May, Jennifer says: “I am excited about it. Right now I can’t imagine cycling for a full week but everyone will keep each other going. I am hoping we will motivate each other for the week.
“It’s great doing it for Guide Dogs, doing it for any charity is great, but when it’s one you are so close to it’s good motivation.”
Jennifer has benefited from guide dogs since she was 21. As an independent businesswoman, guide dogs have helped her to pursue her work, education and volunteering. She currently has Quid, a jet black Labrador who is by her side in almost all aspects of life.
It costs €53,000 to raise a guide dog from birth and support it during its working life. Therefore, challenges like Mizen2Malin are vital in keeping the charity afloat, supporting people with visual impairments and children with autism.
Stephanie Darch from Killybegs
The Donegal cyclists will have an even more special day when National Irish Guide Dog Day comes on 23rd May, as it marks the day that they finish the challenge in their home county. Volunteers from the branch will be out in force collecting along the route. (See the itinerary here).
To donate, visit this page and select the name of the volunteer you want to support (or you can donate to the overall campaign) – https://mizen-2-malin-2025.raiselysite.com/donate
The Donegal branch of the Irish Guide Dogs is a very active group with volunteers all over the county. There is always room for more people to get involved as fundraising volunteers, puppy raisers, or temporary boarders.
If you have any questions about volunteering for puppy raising/boarding, just message the Facebook page: Irish Guide Dogs Donegal Branch
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