A LONDON-IRISH man who will cycle 350km through Cuba this autumn for charity is stepping up his training through the capital’s streets.
Dagenham based Michael Breen – whose mother hails from Limerick – will take on the challenge between October 17-25 on the Caribbean island.
The 30-year-old is aiming to raise money for cancer charity Teens Unite.
Speaking to The Irish Post, Mr Breen said: “Training is going extremely well and as a result of being out on my bike I have seen more of my home town in the last few months than I had done in the four years prior.
“I love cycling up to the old Ford works after the sun has gone down and am getting extremely confient on the main roads.”
With five months to go until the challenge, the fundraiser is now able to complete each leg of the eight-mile return journey from Dagenham Heathway to Romford in 30-35 minutes.
Mr Breen, who works as a treasury accountant for Crown Worldwide, will be joined by 14 fellow fundraisers in his bid to raise awareness of the charity’s work - which helps improve the lives of young people aged 13 to 24 who are battling cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
The cycle challenge, which begins in Cuba’s capital Havana, will take the riders along the coast, past tobacco and sugar cane fields and through farming communities.
Since it was founded in 2007, Teens Unite continues to provide long-term support from the moment a young person is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, throughout their treatment and beyond.
The charity, which also offers motivational workshops to help restore their self-esteem, currently supports 620 young cancer sufferers across Britain.
To support Michael Breen on his Cuban journey make a donation through his JustGiving page
