Peter on his bike for charity

Peter Rafferty will cycle from Holywood to the south-west of Ireland for the Down to Dingle fundraiser for the Camphill Communities Trust.

He will take to the roads for a gruelling eight to 10 hours, covering an average of 100 miles a day.

"I probably haven't got on a bike since I was 15 - so I'm getting back to it for something easy," he joked.

Peter will set off for the mammoth cycle on Friday, August 6, finishing at the Camphill site in Dingle.

"It will be tough, but I've been told if I prepare for the cycle then it should be okay," said Peter.

"I have always wanted to do something big for Camphill and this summer would give me the best time to allow me to prepare."

The business-studies teacher has recently qualified for the classroom and will take up a position in Skinner's Academy in north London this September.

The 25-year-old's brother, Liam, attends the Camphill Community at Glencraig, Holywood.

There are over 100 Camphill Communities across 23 countries, they offer opportunities for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other special needs to live, learn and work with others.

"My brother first attended the community for his education when he was nine and has been there for almost 14 years. He now works there in the village store and gardening team.

"The work the community does is exceptional with the way they work with people with learning difficulties.

"Camphill Communities rely very heavily on donations and without them they would struggle to provide the valuable service they do."

For the challenge, Peter will ride a bike donated by cyclist Seamus Downey.

A group of seven others will take part in the bike ride with Peter for the mammoth challenge.

They will stop at other Camphill Communities along their journey.

"We are not looking to race each other," he added, "we are going to enjoy the journey and take in the scenery."

Peter is hoping to raise 2,000 for the Camphill Communities. Donations can be made online at www.everyclick.com/downtodingle or by sending cheques, made payable to Camphill Communities Trust (NI) to Maria Kinney, Muir Building, 427 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2LT.