Luton station commander rides solo across Ireland for Macmillan Cancer Support

Gary Salvage, 51, who works for the fire and rescue service at London Luton Airport used pedal power to travel across the country from July 8 to 13.

Having planned the route and accommodation himself and with no-one to help carry his belongings, determined Gary completed the course as planned, with stops in Malin Head, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Ballylongford, and Kenmare, before reaching Mizen Head.

He said: “It was very good. There were farming areas and mountains and I came into contact with the coast. There were also magical views of Killarney National Park.

“One of the things I enjoyed the most was the people - some are in their mid 70s, running farms. They treat you like a long lost grandson.

“One lady was 5ft 3ins, in her mid 70s, still out milking cows. She gave me six sausages for breakfast because I was cycling.

“I met another couple in Donegal, and the guy, who was in his 80s, wanted to live to 100, as the president of Ireland gives you £2,500 Euros!”

Gary enjoyed working out the logistics, remembering his army motto: ‘Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail’.

He served in the Queen’s Own Hussars tank regiment for four years, spending time in Germany, and has been in the fire service for over 30.

LLA is currently partnered with Macmillan but Gary was also covering 752km of Ireland for personal reasons.

He said: “I lost my friend Alan Sinclair more than ten years ago to colon cancer.

“He was 49 and I met him in the army.

“He was my PTI (Physical Training Instructor).

“It was pretty tragic. He was a good boxer. It’s a tough call when your friend is in tears saying, ‘I’m going to die’.

“Then, my story is no different to the thousands of others...”

To date, Gary has raised £445 for the charity.

To donate: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-salvage788w