A ROSCOMMON NURSE has finished a cycling challenge across three continents that saw him raise over €150,000 for hospice and suicide prevention services.

Fergal Guihen (27) arrived in Sydney this morning, marking the completion of an extraordinary challenge of endurance.

Departing from Ireland in March 2024, the Arigna native, travelled through 28 countries before reaching Australia.

The journey took him across some of the world’s most remote and demanding terrain, as well as major cities.

During that time, Guihen raised €154,748 for charity.

Speaking upon his arrival at Sydney Opera House, he said that he originally thought the journey would take one year, and that it was the toughest thing he’s ever done.

“Along the way I navigated the remote valleys of Afghanistan, endured minus 20 degrees on the Tibetan Plateau, and found myself followed by undercover police through the Taklamakan Desert in China,” said Guihen.

“I made it through all of those terrains and many more on the very same bike I left Roscommon on, armed with nothing more than the belief that I would rather try and fail than never try at all.”

He said that both NorthWest STOP suicide prevention services and the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation are close to his heart.

“The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation provided vital palliative care for my great grandmother in the final days of her life.

“My aunt died by suicide when I was just four years old, and eight months into this journey, I was forced to return home after my first cousin passed away from suicide at the age of 28,” said Guihen.

He said the support he received throught the journey was “overwhelming”.

“I met extraordinary people along the way and relied on the kindness of strangers across dozens of countries.

“Donations and messages of encouragement came in from all over the world, and in every country I passed through I experienced a generosity I will never forget. I know the funds raised will make a real difference, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.

Now that he’s in Sydney, Guihen plans to continue advocating for the two charities, have a rest, and share what he’s learned from two years on the road.

“After that, I’ll start thinking about what the next challenge in life might be – whatever that may be.”

CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, Martina Jennings, said Guihen’s achievement is “incredible”.

“We have a big year ahead of us as we enter the planning stages for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, the first of its kind on the Western Seaboard,” she said.

“So many families will benefit from this service and all funds raised will make a huge difference to that project, as well as to Mayo and Roscommon Hospices, in order to keep them going.”

You can still donate to Guihen’s challenge at idonate.ie/fundraiser/RossietoAussie