Robin and Raphael O’Doherty from Carndonagh are two of 37 cyclists taking on the Malin2Mizen Cycle4CF challenge next month.
The group will make the 640km journey from Malin Head to Mizen head to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI).
Organisers and participants of the event are encouraging people to come out and show their support as it passes through Donegal on September 10th.
The first cycle was set up in memory of Triona Priestley, who passed away in 2014 from CF when she was just 15 years old.
It began with just four cyclists and hit a record of 50 cyclists in 2025.
Over €1,200,000 has been raised since the cycle started in 2016, which has helped CFI fund research and advocacy for families affected by the condition in Ireland.
This year, the cycle has a fundraising target of €100,000 and according to the charity, the success of this event is only possible when a community come together.
This year’s sponsors include Drumkeen Service Station, Spar Muff and Spar Express Laghey and the public are invited to come and meet the cyclists at these locations on the 10th September.
Sarah Tecklenborg, CEO CFI says: “We are so grateful for every cyclist, volunteer and donor who has supported CFI.
“A massive thanks to our sponsors who year on year welcome us to their locations as we pass through for safety checks, refuelling and pitstops.
“This support has helped us achieve so much change for people with CF.”
According to the latest data from the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland (CFRI) there are 1,342 people with CF in Ireland.
Despite new therapies which have improved outcomes for Cystic Fibrosis, a cure has still not been found.
Tecklenborg continues: “CF is a complex and challenging condition.
“While highly effective modulator therapies have improved outcomes and quality of life for many, we still have no cure.
“Concerns are growing around long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, increased cancer risk, and the impact of ageing with CF.
You may also be interested in
“As life expectancy improves, research must keep pace with the evolving needs of the CF community, and continued support is needed to fund this vital work and help us find a cure.”
This year, brothers Robin and Raphael O’Doherty from Cardonagh are joining the group travelling from Malin to Mizen.
37 cyclists will take on the challenge.
Robin first took part in the M2M Cycle4CF in 2025 and Raphael is joining him for the 2026 challenge.
Robin says: “I’m taking on the M2M Cycle challenge for the second year in a row in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, covering the length of the country with a fantastic group of cyclists.
“It’s a tough but incredibly rewarding experience, made even more so by the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for a cause that impacts so many families across the country.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported and donated along the way.”
Raphael added: “I’m looking forward to cycling from Malin to Mizen head this year.
“Thanks to everyone who donated for such a worthy cause – see you all at the finish line. Hopefully it’s all downhill from here!”
The cycle starts in Malin Head on Thursday, 10th September and will take four days to cover 640 kilometres in their cycle to Mizen Head, which the group aims to reach on Sunday, 13th September.
Members of the public are invited to come out and show their support as the cyclists pass through the towns and villages along the way.
Members of the public can also donate or find out more about the services and supports CFI provide, by visiting www.cfireland.ie.
For anyone looking to take part in the Malin2Mizen Cycle4CF 2027 which takes place from Thurs 9th to Sunday 12th September, you can register your interest now at www.cfireland.ie to secure a place.
The group will leave Malin Head on the morning of September 10th and are expected to be at Spar Muff around 10 – 10.30am.
They are due to arrive at Drumkeen Service Station at 12.30-1pm and Ballybofey at 2pm.
They are expected to arrive at Spar Express Laghey at 3pm and in Bundoran between 4.15 – 4.30pm.