A FUNDRAISER from York is racing around Ireland for charity.

Phil Wiggins is taking part in The TransAtlanticWay - a 2,500km road bike race - alongside almost 200 other cyclists.

The race started in the centre of Dublin on Thursday, the pack then cycled north to Derry then onto the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast, and Phil said that unlike many large cycling events, the race was not supported by officials.

He said: “There are no planned stops. I buy food as I pass shops and sleep when I get tired. Sometimes that will be B&B sometimes on the side of the road in a bivvy bag.

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“I’m aiming at 160 miles a day to finish 1,600 miles in 10 days. I’m pretty nervous. This is a big leap for me, it’s a proper challenge which I don’t even know I will achieve. I have no idea how my body will hold up. and when it’s raining, dark and I get a puncture miles from anywhere it won’t be ideal.”

Phil said the atmosphere had been “brilliant”, and he was “surrounded by some very experienced racers who do this sort of thing all the time”.

He said: “The winner will do about 300 miles a day, and what do they get for winning? Nothing. Just the prestige and lots of sponsorship. It’s tough - very tough- and the scratch rate is normally about 40 per cent so there’s a realistic chance I may not finish. This is not a marathon or a 100 mile bike ride that I know I’ll definitely finish - this is a proper challenge with no guarantees other then you know I’ll give everything to succeed.”

Phil - who previously cycled 160 miles around the Eye Of York for charity - is taking part in his latest challenge to raise money for Martin House Children Hospice and Cancer Research UK. To sponsor Phil, go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/wiggo