A FORMER Mount Isa paramedic has saved local lives, but he just went the extra 500 miles to raise money for Huntington’s Disease.
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Randolph Aguirre, 27, and his house mate Sean Hogan cycled that distance from London to Limerick, in Ireland, in July to collect £2000 (AUS $3286) for the Huntington’s Disease Association.
Mr Aguirre’s partner Adriana Talotta, a midwife who had moved with him from Mount Isa, drove the support van during the journey.
Mr Aguirre said it had been a challenge riding that distance in a week. “We were running on empty by the last 50 kms,” he said.
“We have hit £700ish, and a sponsor is yet to put in £750. So the total should be close to £1500, just shy of the £2000.
“I'm happy with that though.”
Mr Aguirre said he had been living with Mr Hogan, an Irishman, and as they were both moving out of the flat they were living in they thought it would be an achievement to cycle 500 miles.
The route which covered Reading, Bath, Swansea, and a ferry ride from Pembroke to Rosslare, Ireland, was chosen because it fit that distance. It also helped that Mr Hogan was Irish and therefore the destination suited him.
Mr Aguirre had finished a job that provided support to people with brain injuries and neurological conditions. He mostly worked with clients suffering from Parkinsons, Motor Neuron Disease and Huntington’s. It inspired him to raise money to help clients and their families.
“I met a lot of clients and families and it's pretty sad,” he said.
“So Sean and Adriana were keen to do it for a charity, and it would add motivation to succeed. Adriana was our support driving the van with spare parts, camping equipment and food.”
Mr Aguirre left Mount Isa in January, 2016, and aims to return in September.
“I kind of feel like I have been on a working holiday from Mount Isa to be honest, and this will wrap up my time in the UK and Europe, and I will come back to my adopted home,” Mr Aguirre said.
The online link to his fundraising web page is: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/londontolimerick500milecycle.