Media Releases > Oxfam Ireland Press Release Media Releases > Oxfam Ireland Press ReleaseOxfam Ireland cyclists reach Cape Town - after a journey of 14,500 km!
12 May 2006
Sunday the 14th May 2006 is a very special day for three intrepid Irish cyclists. Juliet Wolfe, Paul Tuthill and Paddy Frankel (from Cork and Dublin). It is the day that they will complete a challenge that has never been done before - a 14,500 km cycle from Dublin to Cape Town in South Africa - five months after their departure from Dublin on World Aids Day.
"We are embarking on this unique and challenging journey for one simple reason - to raise awareness and desperately needed funds to help tackle the rising HIV/AIDS epidemic that is crippling Africa" said Juliet.
Their journey has spanned mainland Europe, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, their final destination. Their journey through Africa began in Egypt where they set off from the pyramids of Giza and passed through the country with an armed escort. They have encountered unique, challenging and stunning African landscapes "leaving the great rift valley (of Malawi) we persevered up and down winding mountain roads lined with eight foot long golden grasses, dodging butterflies, dragonflies and chameleons". And they have taken the wonderful African people to their heart "despite our worries of civil and political unrest, the Sudanese people were the most kind, gentle and welcoming people we had ever met. We were often invited into their homes, fed their best food and tea and never asked for anything in return. They truly do have a remarkable dignity about them and pride in their country and traditions" said the cyclists.
To date, the cyclists have raised over €16,000 for Oxfam Ireland's programmes which focus on prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
To find out more about their journey, please visit their page on this site, or www.bike2africa.com. To make a donation please visit our donation page.
Contact
For further information or to arrange interview with the cyclists upon their return please contact
Oxfam Ireland 's Media Executive Paul Dunphy on 00353 1 6040706
or email paul.dunphy [at] oxfamireland.org.
Oxfam Ireland is a member of Oxfam International, a confederation of 13 Oxfam's worldwide. www.oxfamireland.org