Gleno father and son's 1000 mile charity bike ride

L-R: Raymond and Richard Lusty at Malin Head during their 1000 mile trip. INLT-32-721-con

Richard and Raymond Lusty, who operate Lusty’s Centra on the Old Glenarm Road, set off on Thursday July 28 on an epic 10-day round trip which took them to the most southerly point of Ireland at Mizen Head, and to the most Northern tip at Malin Head.

The dynamic duo made a triumphant return to Larne on Saturday August 6, where they were greeted with a fun day for the community to celebrate their achievement.

Raymond told the Times: “It is a fantastic achievement, especially for my Dad who has turned his life around to get fit. Our main focus was the fundraising and that kept us going.

“My sister went to Roddensvale School and cancer has affected our wider family and friends.

“We had a target of £10,000 but we think we have raised over £12,000, the generosity of people has been unbelievable.”

Raymond says that the gruelling bike ride was both mentally and physically challenging.

“There were times where I thought we couldn’t do it and there were plenty of times we wanted to give up,” he admitted.

“One day there was a particularly hard head wind and it rained all day and I cut my knee badly, which was the hardest time. It was more a mental battle than a physical challenge.”

The pair were joined on the final leg of their journey from Castlerock by 32 cyclists including members of the Team Knockagh and Fat Boys cycling clubs and Principal of Roddensvale School John Madden.

“Coming into Larne we got a bit emotional, all our friends and family were there and they had all chipped in to help organise the fun day,” Raymond continued.

“My Dad and I would like to thank everyone who helped to organise the trip and all those who donated.”

Richard added: “It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life but it was for three great causes: Roddensvale, Action Cancer and also personal achievement. I was a typical 18 stone couch potato with type two diabetes before I lost six stone and took up cycling. It was hard but it was also enjoyable and I think the effort we put in was reflected in the money raised.”