RAF man cycles to Paris in memory of his father

Carl Fivey from Boa Island in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, has made another charity bike ride this summer, cycling from London on July 22 and arriving in Paris three days later.

Mr Fivey said last week: “We finished it and it was great. It was a really amazing experience.”

He made the trip in memory of his father, Leo, who died suddenly last year. Mr Fivey said: “This was another bike ride for my father. Hand on heart, he was on my shoulder.”

Earlier, before setting off on July 22, Mr Fivey had said: “After the success of our London to Brighton bike ride last year and the great support we received. I am cycling further afield this year.

“I plan to cycle from London to Paris. I will be raising money for Action Medical Research (AMR) and in memory of my dad. He always wanted to do this ride and this year I will do it for him.”

In the event, he departed London early on a Thursday morning. The first day of cycling took him to Dover where a short ferry crossing brought him to Calais. Day two took him from Calais to Amiens.

The final day of cycling saw Mr Fivey arrive in Paris and what turned out to be an experience to remember as he cycled down the Champs-Elysées with crowds of Parisians and tourists encouraging him on the final stretch to the Eiffel Tower.

After completing the trip, Mr Fivey opened a bottle of champagne and celebrated. Each day involved cycling approximately 100 miles in the saddle and it was a fantastic trip.

Carl added: “Doing this ride means a lot to me, as AMR is an excellent charity supporting children. It means a lot also as I remember, with fond affection, my dad talking about doing the London to Paris bike ride. This year I am doing it in his memory.

“We are all still in shock following the very sudden passing of my dad at the Manor House Hotel in Killadeas, Co Fermanagh, on February 21 2009. It is a day I most certainly will not forget and is something that to this day is very difficult to come to terms with. My dad was a fitness fanatic and loved sport, loved life and very much loved his family (he still does). We all miss him very very much.

“I know for sure dad will be looking after me on this ride; he will be with me the whole way. This is a ride I will do for an amazing person and someone I will never forget.”

To sponsor Carl, visit his website: action.org.uk/sponsor/carlfivey.