Retired body shop manager Graham Brown, 65, from Moira, Swadlincote, completed a solo motorcycle journey around Ireland, covering 2,500 miles in 10 days to raise funds for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance. He has already raised more than £2,000.
Journey Details
Graham traveled clockwise from Rosslare via Fishguard, through Cork and Kerry, up the west coast to Fanad, then to Buncrana by ferry. He continued along the Northern Irish coast before returning home by ferry from Dublin.
Personal Motivation
Graham's motivation stems from his own rescue by an air ambulance after a motorcycle accident in September 2011. He sustained a broken pelvis and other serious injuries; his partner Alison broke her back. "I was overtaking a Ford Mondeo when a van pulled out. I had nowhere to go. They suspected a ruptured spleen, so I had an air ambulance to Newcross Hospital," he recalled.
Graham spent four weeks in hospital, and Alison three weeks. Recovery took a year off work. Both found yoga beneficial; Alison is now a yoga teacher.
Gratitude and Support
"My motivation is to give back to the Air Ambulance who rescued me. I experienced first-hand the vital work they do," Graham said. He added, "I’ve been overwhelmed with donations and the welcome from strangers."
The charity receives no government funding and attends an average of five rescues daily. Donations can be made via JustGiving.
