Ex-rugby stars for 600km charity cycle on Wild Atlantic Way

Former rugby internationals Mike Tindall, Thomas Castaignede and Paul Wallace are to take part in a charity cycle this September in aid of cancer research.

The Uniphar Cross Atlantic Cycle, now in its fifth year, takes place from September 4th to 8th and is a 600km trek from Dingle to Westport along the Wild Atlantic Way.

It is the fifth year of the cycle, and the participants hope to raise €100,000 for Cross (Cancer Research of the Oesophagus and Stomach) which is based at Trinity College Dublin and St James's Hospital.

The first four years raised €400,000 for Cross.

Some 200 cyclists are expected to take part in this year’s event.

‘Give something back’

“It is a great way for rugby players to give something back and have a bit of fun along the way,” Mr Wallace said.

The former players intend to stop off in a number of schools along the way to raise awareness of healthy living.

Prof John Reynolds, the principal cancer investigator at Trinity, said the funds will go towards the purchase of equipment.

The first leg of the cycle will be dedicated to the memory of Jane O’Hare, who died of liver cancer in December.

Her husband Dr Brendan O'Hara, a doctor in Crumlin Hospital, and the couple's two sons, Benjamin and Michael, will participate in the cycle.