MEGA CYCLE: Josh Hewerdine from Ballytrasna, cycled for 36 hours over three days to raise funds for Kerry Cancer Support Group.

By Michelle Crean

A keen young Killarney cyclist, who found he had extra time on his hands - completed a mega task by cycling for 36 hours over three days - to raise funds for a Kerry cancer charity.

Josh Hewerdine from Ballytrasna, who turns 16 on May 11, decided to put others before himself and took on the mammoth task last weekend.

Josh has raised over €1,000 of his €2,000 target for Kerry Cancer Support Group, and is hoping for some more donations by leaving the page up for the next week or so.

“I got the idea as loads of people were doing it for charity online,” Josh, a member of Killarney Cycling Club, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“My grand-uncle, my dad’s uncle Graham, died a few weeks ago and he used the bus. He was dedicated to it and I thought it’d be a nice way to help them. I was trying to raise money as people are in difficult times. The bus helps loads of people to get them where they need to be.”

Josh, son of Lisa and Craig, began his long cycle on his stationary bike at home on Saturday last and finished on Monday, only taking short breaks to eat and use the toilet.

He used a simulated cycle game called ‘Spike’ to pass the time and also watched Netflix.

“I was in a bit of pain in the end but now I feel unreal. It’s a massive achievement.”

To donate, go to GoFundMe: 12 hours a day × 3 Days.