(PR.co.nz) On 18 February 2012, 24 year old Simon Hutchinson from Cavan in Ireland, set off on a grueling 29,000km cycle race across five continents and more than 20 countries, hoping to complete the journey in less than 160 days and to break a world record in the process. Simon is now continuing his journey in New Zealand! He landed in Dunedin on Sunday 13 May, and is aiming to cycle an average of 250km per day where, within a week, he will make his way up to his final New Zealand destination; Auckland.
Simon is using this punishing challenge to raise much needed funds for Brainwave (The Irish Epilepsy Association.)
“My cousin has had severe epilepsy since she was born 19 years ago. She requires constant care and attention and, several times, I’ve felt powerless to help her. I hope that, by raising awareness of epilepsy as well as funds, I’ll be doing a little to help her and other people affected by epilepsy”, said Simon.
Simon has already cycled through England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. Once he completes his New Zealand journey, he will then make his way to America where he will cycle from coast to coast, before taking on Peru to Bolivia, then on to Europe with the final stages in Ireland and the UK.
The cities and towns Simon has passed through and/or will pass through in New Zealand are: Dunedin, Oamaru, Waimate, Timaru, Temuka, Hinds, Ashburton, Rakaia, Rolleston, Hornby, outskirts of Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Amberley, Glasnevin, Waipara, Greta Valley, Cheviot, Kaikoura, Ward, Seddon, Blenheim and Picton. He will then take the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry to Wellington where he will head to Johnsonville, Porirua, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin, Foxton, Sanson, Bulls, Hunterville, Ohingaiti, Mangaweka, Taihape, Waiouru, Turangi, State Highway 32 through to Mangakino, Te Awamutu, Ngaruawahia, Huntly, and finally Auckland.
If you feel that you can help in any way, or would like more details on Simon’s New Zealand itinerary, please contact national@epilepsy.org.nz.
Media Release 15 May 2012.