AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Irish boy has raised nearly €20,000 for essential frontline workers by cycling the equivalent of a full marathon.
Dylan Moran, from Tuam in Co Galway, was determined to do his bit to support staff over at University Hospital Galway.
An avid cyclist currently living in lockdown with his family, he decided to put together a fundraising cycle ride that would see him complete a full marathon on his bike.
This past Saturday, the Sylane National School pupil set off with his dad, Declan, on their epic journey.
Together they cycled an incredible 26.2 miles and, crucially, did so while adhering to Ireland’s 2km limit on exercising away from the home, by completing laps of their local cycle lanes.
"I wanted to raise money to help out the hospital staff during Covid-19,” Dylan explained on the online fundraising page set up to support the ride.
"I have been cycling a lot the past few weeks since school closed so I decided I would like to cycle a marathon distance of 42.2km near my house around Tuam on Saturday 25th April."
All of the money raised from Dylan’s marathon cycle is going towards supporting nurses and medical staff working around the clock at University Hospital Galway.
The youngster has already raised over €18,000 and counting.
It's a figure made all the more impressive when you consider he started with an initial target of just 250.
Dylan has been blown away by the sponsorship and continued support for his efforts.
“Thank you for your support,” he said.
“The day went well. It was hard at the end but when it was finished it was worth doing it for the Doctors and Nurses.”
If you would like to donate to Dylan’s impressive efforts, you can do so here.
