IRISH SEA MISSION: COMPLETE
72.6 miles. 17 hours 36 minutes. One pedal-powered craft.
They did it.
After weeks of planning, testing and preparation, Kristian, Graham and Jason completed the Pedal the Irish Sea mission from Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire.
Jason also joined Kristian and Graham as part of the team, bringing a personal connection to the cause through his background working in agriculture.
Setting off from Holyhead on Saturday 15th August, Kristian, Graham and Jason took turns pedalling the specially adapted craft across the Irish Sea, accompanied by a support crew throughout the crossing.
After 17 hours and 36 minutes, the team reached Ireland, having recorded a total distance of 116.9km / 72.6 miles.
The crossing
The original plan had been to set off a day earlier, but the departure was moved to Saturday to make the most of the tides, wind and sea conditions.
The crossing was completed using one pedal-powered craft, with Kristian, Graham and Jason taking turns to pedal throughout the journey.
A second pedal craft had also been prepared as a backup in case of mechanical problems.
The final figures:
116.9km / 72.6 miles
17 hours 36 minutes
1 pedal-powered craft
3 riders taking turns to pedal
After more than 17 hours on the water, they finally reached Dún Laoghaire in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Graham (top), Kristian (middle) and Jason (bottom) pedalling the Irish Sea
Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire
The route took the team from Holyhead, across the Irish Sea and into Dún Laoghaire.
What started as an idea on Anglesey had become a 72.6-mile journey across open water.
The GPS recorded an average speed of 6.7km/h, with a maximum speed of 11.1km/h during the crossing.
The recorded route from Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire – 116.9km / 72.6 miles.
Why we did it
The challenge was never just about crossing the Irish Sea.
The mission was created to raise money and awareness for The DPJ Foundation, which provides mental health support to people working in agriculture and rural communities across Wales.
Mental health and suicide within rural communities are serious issues, and we wanted to use the challenge to get people talking, raise awareness and help support the work The DPJ Foundation is doing across Wales.
Jason's involvement also brought another personal connection to the cause and the rural communities the charity supports.
The response has been incredible.
At the time of writing, you've helped us raise more than £2,500 towards our £5,000 target.
Thank you to every person who has donated, shared the challenge, followed the journey or helped us spread the word.
The crossing may be complete, but the fundraising continues.
Thank you
A challenge like this doesn't happen without a lot of people helping behind the scenes.
A huge thank you to Nigel Dennis from Sea Kayaking for his expertise and support, and to The Lobster Pot for helping sponsor and support the challenge.
Thank you to Jason, the support crew and everyone who helped with the preparation, testing and crossing.
And, of course, a huge thank you to everyone who followed the journey, sent messages, shared our posts and donated to The DPJ Foundation.
We set out to do something different, raise some money and get people talking about an important cause.
The mission is complete. The fundraising continues.
Diolch. 💙