James Waterson and Alastair Dickie

James Waterson and Alastair Dickie cycled 500 miles across Ireland to raise money in aid of The Patrick Wild Centre's research into fragile X syndrome.

Why did you decide to fundraise for your chosen cause?

James's son Harry has fragile X syndrome - he was our motivation to take on this fundraising challenge. The Patrick Wild Centre for Research into Autism, Fragile X Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities is a leading research facility and we knew our bike ride would help raise awareness and funding for their important research work.

We also raised money for Leuchie House, a local charity that providing care and respite for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families. 

How did you raise money?

Alastair came up with the challenge of cycling the length of Ireland and it seemed like the perfect way to raise the profile of our chosen charities. We used LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to spread the word about our fundraising.

After many months and miles of training, we started our challenge and loved every minute of it despite some of the Irish weather. There was a massive sense of achievement on completion of the 500 mile bike ride and we would both do it again in a heartbeat. It was also a humbling experience knowing that not everyone is fortunate enough in life to undertake such a challenge.

Fundraising wisdom

Commit to the challenge whatever that may be and don’t doubt your ability to ‘have a go’ – people are massively generous and will provide the motivation and support you need. Even though the weather was mainly wet and horrible, the experience and the charities (and a night out in Belfast afterwards!) made it all worthwhile.

Use social media to promote and ‘tell the story’ of your challenge – photos speak volumes and remind yourself and your supporters of how your efforts make a difference.

Related Links

The Patrick Wild Centre (external website)