Swatragh doctor saddles up for 480-mile cycle challenge

Dr Paula Scullin, a consultant oncologist at the Cancer Centre in Belfast, is part of an 18 strong group of cyclists taking part in Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Mizen to Malin Challenge which will see them cycle the length of Ireland in just six days.

The expedition will start in Mizen Head, Cork on September 3 from whence the group will cycle along Ireland’s stunning west coast to the finish line in Malin Head, Donegal on September 8.

To complete the challenge in time, the group will have to average approximately 80 miles a day and contend with steep inclines and of course Ireland’s unpredictable weather.

Dr Scullin, who will be joined on the cycle by fellow colleagues at the Cancer Centre, patients and supporters of the charity, decided to take part in the gruelling challenge to support the work of Friends of the Cancer Centre. Looking ahead to the cycle, Paula said: “This is the second long-distance cycle I’ve taken part in for Friends of the Cancer Centre and while I’m looking forward to it, it’s definitely going to be a challenge.

It will be a great experience and while it will be tough, it won’t be anything compared to what our patients face on a daily basis. Working in the Cancer Centre, I see hundreds of patients whose lives have been affected by cancer and like many people I have had close family members treated in the hospital.

“I see first-hand the difference Friends of the Cancer Centre makes to patients and their families through the vital work the charity does in the hospital. To be able to help support this work is really important to me and a great motivator to help us reach the finish line in Donegal.”

If you would like to support Dr Scullin as she takes part in Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Mizen to Malin Cycle please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Paula-Scullin1