The Achill To Athens Project, a 5,350KM transcontinental cycle across Europe raised 48,145 for Pieta House and Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. The cycle, spanning 58 days, saw Cormac Ryan (Dublin), his cousin Stephen Ryan (Mayo) and friend Niall O’ Donnell (Dublin) travel through 13 countries, Ireland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and finally Greece. There were ups and downs along the way, with the cyclists’ combined casualties being 30 punctures, 3 chains, 6 tyres, 1 rear wheel, and 1 one very expensive drone lost in a French canal. Each country offered a unique challenge, with soaring temperatures in France, thunderstorms and flooding in Croatia, wild dogs in Albania, but the kindness and generosity of the people along the way kept morale high.

In May, Cormac intends to take on a solo cycle of 6000K across America under the title ‘Project EDucate’, aiming to raise awareness around eating disorders in support of Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. Cormac highlights ‘This project isn’t all about the bike or raising money, it’s about Education. That’s the goal.  To start a conversation, to share a story, to provide information; in the hope that it will raise awareness of eating disorders and that we can all learn from it.’

According to the Department of Health, over 188,000 people in Ireland are affected by eating disorders in their lifetime – an eating disorder is a serious and complex condition with increased risk of mortality.

Cormac adds ‘Education is for those affected. To know that we aren’t alone. That what we’re experiencing is common. That we’re not going crazy. Education for loved ones, to know how to help or what to say. To know how best to support us. Education for society. To know that many of the eating disorder stereotypes are false and that they can affect anyone of any gender, age or background. The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.’

For more information on Project EDucate, please see here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11422962_project-educate.html or search ‘Project EDucate iDonate’ on Google.

People can and do recover from eating disorders

-ENDS-

Notes for Editors

For further information, please contact:
Ellen Jennings
Communications Officer
Tel: 01 283 4963 or Mobile: 087 7769708
communications@bodywhys.ie