Pedalling with Purpose: One Man’s Journey Across America in memory of his loving wife.

Ballygawley man, Declan Faulkner is fulfilling a dream this September and will be cycling solo across America to raise funds for local cancer charity, Charis Cancer Care in memory of his wife, Patrina.

Declan, who is 54 and a financial adviser, is also an international mountain leader, a biking and hiking guide for Wilderness Ireland and a lover of the great outdoors, will be cycling 3,800 miles from Portland Oregon to Portland Maine to raise funds for Charis Cancer Care.

Speaking about his reasons for supporting Charis through this challenge, Declan says “My wife, Patrina and I attended Charis during her treatment for secondary breast cancer. Patrina and I both received reflexology massage and mindfulness sessions.

The staff at Charis were so positive and welcoming, it was a great escape for us from the illness and hospitals and the beautiful setting also helped. We found all the treatments and social aspects of chatting with staff and other clients invaluable. Sadly, Patrina passed away from cancer in 2017. I have supported the charity in the past, but I am determined to raise much needed funds for Charis as I want to give back in some way to help other cancer patients in Northern Ireland.

My cousin, Donal Convery, who sadly passed away from this horrible disease in 2024, also attended Charis and was a big advocate and supporter of the charity.”

Declan is no stranger to adventure as he has completed ultra endurance running events all over the world and loves to travel and plans to start his mammoth challenge in early September 2026, taking approximately six to seven weeks to complete and plans to cycle 100 miles per day with a rest day every sixth day.

Claire Hogarth, Events & Marketing Coordinator at Charis Cancer Care, is delighted that Declan has chosen to support Charis with this monumental challenge.

She said – “Everyone at Charis is overwhelmed with the support we receive from people across Northern Ireland but for Declan to take on this incredible challenge in memory of his wife, Patrina is something else. Along with Declan and Patrina’s children Niamh, Tiarnan and Padraig, who have been a great support to him planning this adventure, we are all here to support him and will be tracking his cycle and cheering him on from home. We would encourage the public to get involved and support Declan’s fundraising and you can donate here https://chariscancercare.enthuse.com/pf/declan-patrick-faulkner. We wish Declan every success and look forward to hearing all about his adventures on his return.”