Man on Malin to Mizen to Malin challenge passes through Mayo

Adopted Irishman Paul Llewelyn Franklin has taken to the road this month in a 1,600km Malin to Mizen to Malin challenge.

“I’m after no records,” Paul explained. “It’s just the journey.”

Originally from New Zealand and now living just outside Athenry, Paul and his three-wheeler buggy will pass through Ballina and Castlebar this week as part of stage one of his challenge.

After passing through Mayo on his walk from Malin Head to his home in Galway, he will then pick up his bike and cycle to Mizen Head in Cork. Paul’s return journey will be completed on foot from Mizen to Galway and on bike from Galway to Malin Head. He has estimated that the whole journey will take him around 72 days, including rest days.

While Paul’s main motivation for M2M2M is to raise funds for Galway Hospice, he is also championing charity Feileacain (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland) as well as raising awareness of mental health issues, spinal fusion issues, wellness after loss, and for people with hidden disabilities.

Paul, who is in his early 60s, is no stranger to challenges requiring physical stamina and mental strength. He turned to cycling to rehabilitate after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. “Standing and sitting were not good for me, and it seemed that the best thing for me was to use my bike as therapy, both physically and mentally,” he said.

Paul fractured his neck as a 13-year-old boy back in 1971 while playing piggyback at school. Since then he has had spinal issues and has gone through two spinal surgeries as well as shoulder and knee operations. Despite his spinal problems, Paul has completed cycle tours in more than 15 countries, along with walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. He counts his total distance at 20,000km in 20 countries.

In 2017, fresh from the Camino, he arrived in Ireland and traveled the 2,500km trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, which led him to a full circumnavigation of the country, a distance of 2,738km.

“I have never been so encapsulated by a country,” he recalled. “On my last day in Ireland I simply wanted to start over again and cycle the country one more time.” This fascination led him to settle in Galway late in 2017.

As well as the physical challenges Paul has endured, he also experienced the unimaginable heartbreak of losing two children. In 1981, Paul lost two of three triplets, Simon and Demelza, after they were born prematurely. He hopes to raise awareness and support for Féileacáin, which offers support to those affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy or soon afterwards, during his journey.

He is also acting as an ambassador for Yes Tribe, a group that encourages people to say 'Yes' more and to participate in outdoor activities.

Paul started his epic journey on April 13 from Malin Head in Co. Donegal. He will continue south from Mayo through Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork before reaching Mizen around mid-May. He will then travel north again, following a similar route, completing his M2M2M challenge mid-June. Then he goes home to Galway.

“People have been very kind,” said Paul about the journey so far. “They’ll slow their car and hand me a fiver for the hospice. I’m really grateful because not only do you have to do the walking, but you’ve to get people interested in your causes among thousands of worthy charities.

“I am still grateful that I can even walk and cycle. I know, as well, that without the walking and the cycle touring, without the challenges and the incredible and inspirational people I have met across the world, that none of this would have been possible for me, and I would never been able to do what it is I love to do.”

Paul is appealing for company for his journey so anyone who fancies a chat is more than welcome to join him at any stage. For updates or to donate, check out his blog at https://spinalfusionguyonabike.wordpress.com.