Extreme environment athlete in 1,000 mile race to aid his Mayo mother's cause

A Galway man with Mayo roots is competing in the Iditarod Trail Invitational 1,000 mile race across Alaska this month.

Gavan Hennigan, an experienced extreme environment athlete, is doing so to raise funds for Parkinson's Ireland (PI) Galway branch.

His mother Julie (formerly Julie Egan of Newport Road, Castlebar) was recently diagnosed with the Parkinson’s and PI are a great support to her and others.

All funds go directly to the community.

He said: "The Iditarod Trail Invitational is easily one of the toughest endurance events on the planet.

"For up to 30 days I’ll will battle the wild and cold of Alaska. Please donate anything you can."

The race get underway at Knik Lake, Alaska, on Sunday, February 23.

To date, a sum of €5,550 has been raised and the target is €10,000.

Julie told The Connaught Telegraph she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few months ago.

"It came as a big shock and took me a while to talk about it.

"I now have accepted the diagnosis. I am living my life 'one day at a time'.

"I joined Parkinson's Ireland Galway branch and have received wonderful help and understanding from everyone involved.

"The branch depends on the good will of people to raise funds to help provide essential services for people living with Parkinsons.

"The funding received from the HSE only amounts to 10% of the overall income.

"I am very proud of Gavan and so grateful for his bravery in doing this race for me and Parkinsons."

All donations can be made here.