Extraordinary Atlantic Ocean challenge in aid of Daisy Lodge Mayo
Portwest is delighted to support local adventurers Tom Bourke and Bryan Hyland as they prepare to take on the extraordinary challenge of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in the World’s Toughest Row in December, raising vital funds for the new Daisy Lodge therapeutic short break centre in Cong. The Daisy Voyage will see the two men, both from Westport, set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and row across the Atlantic to Antigua. Over the course of several weeks at sea, they will face immense physical and mental challenges, navigating open ocean conditions in pursuit of a shared goal: supporting families across Ireland who have a child diagnosed with cancer. As a proud supporter of the local community, Portwest is pleased to make a donation and sponsor essential gear for Tom and Bryan as they undertake this demanding expedition. The support will help equip the rowers for the journey ahead while contributing to a cause that will make a lasting difference to families who need it most.
The funds raised through The Daisy Voyage will go towards the development of the new Daisy Lodge therapeutic centre in Cong. The centre will provide therapeutic short breaks for families of children with cancer, offering a place to rest, reconnect and spend valuable time together away from the pressures of treatment and everyday life.
Cathal J. Hughes, deputy managing director of Portwest, said: “Tom and Bryan are undertaking an extraordinary challenge, and they're doing it for a cause that will make a real difference to children with cancer and their families. As a Mayo company, we're proud to support two Westport men whose determination will help raise awareness and vital funds for the new Daisy Lodge Therapeutic centre in Mayo. Everyone at Portwest will be following their progress and cheering them on all the way to Antigua.”
Tom Bourke, who is taking on The Daisy Voyage, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Portwest and Cathal Hughes behind us for this challenge. As two lads from Westport, having the support of a company that was born and built in our town makes it feel even more special. “We know there are going to be some very tough days ahead of us out on the Atlantic, and having Portwest’s support means a huge amount to us personally. But this is about much more than the two of us. We’re rowing for Daisy Lodge Mayo and the families who will benefit from it, and we want to do everything we can to raise as much awareness and money as possible. To have a Westport company supporting two Westport men on this journey is something we’re genuinely proud of, and we’re hugely grateful to Cathal and everyone at Portwest for getting behind us.”
Portwest is proud to stand behind Tom and Bryan as they take on this remarkable challenge, demonstrating determination, resilience and a commitment to helping other families. Their journey across the Atlantic is not only a test of endurance but an opportunity to bring attention and much-needed support to the development of Daisy Lodge in Mayo.