Story

Thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraising page on iDonate.ie

My name is Paul Franklin otherwise known as Spinal Fusion Guy and I am undertaking a 2021km Heartlands Challenge journey to help raise much needed funds for Galway Simon Community & LauraLynn Ireland's Children's Hospice. All funds raised here will go directly to these great causes.

A little bit about me... I was born in New Zealand but have lived in Ireland for close to four years. My life changed at the age of 13 when I had a major spinal injury. Several surgeries and physical traumas later, I am determined to continue my passion of cycling, while helping to make a difference for others.

While this latest challenge is a personal achievement, I know I will also be helping those who need help and support the most, especially during these very trying times that we’ve all gone through in the last year and a half.

I was close to being homeless at the end of 2020. I was living in a caravan through the winter and I could have been seriously close homelessness. With the help of Galway Simon Community, I was given a lifeline. LauraLynn is the only hospice in Ireland to care for children with life limiting conditions and their families, and I know how valuable life is. I owe not only my life to such amazing people, such as the charities I am supporting, but I also owe a debt of gratitude to those who have assisted me and supported me along the way. 

I will be starting from Malin Head on the 9th July and heading south, primarily through the Heartlands of Ireland following the beautiful Shannon River towards Limerick and onto Mizen Head, an estimated walking distance of 900kms. Once I’m at Mizen Head, I’ll change over to my bicycle and cycle back to Malin Head, via a flexible route to make up 1,121kms which will make it a total trip of 2,021 kms

I hope you can help me by donating whatever you can. Simply click the Donate button aboveAll donations are processed securely.
You can also share my page using Share options below. This is a great way to show your support.
Many Thanks and I hope to see you somewhere along the way!