CORE Kids Big Cycle Review

The Big Cycle has always been something I had planned to do. In fact, it wasn’t just a passing thought – it was written down on paper over five years ago. From the beginning, it was never just about me. I wanted it to be about giving back – supporting charities that make a difference and helping local schools that are at the heart of our communities.

I knew I wanted to challenge myself in a big way, something that would push me physically and mentally while also making a positive impact on others. But every time I got close to starting it, life seemed to get in the way.

First came Covid, which put everything on hold. Then came a serious setback – I slipped a disc in my back, which caused severe nerve damage to my left leg. For over a year I was rebuilding myself, step by step, just to get back to a point where I could enjoy moving again.

Because of all that, the Big Cycle kept being pushed back. But it never disappeared from my head. It stayed there, scribbled down on a piece of paper, waiting for the right time.

Eventually I realised: there’s no such thing as the perfect time. Sometimes you just have to pick a date, commit to it, and go for it. That’s exactly what I did.

And what better time than now? The week of the Big Cycle fell on my 40th birthday. I thought to myself: it’s now or never. What better way to mark a milestone like that than by doing something that challenged me, inspired others, and raised money for two causes close to my heart.

A Special Mention

Before I even share the story, I want to give a special mention to my dad – John Boy. He drove the support van for four of the five days, crawling behind me for long hours at 10–20mph. It wasn’t an easy job, but he never complained.

John has always been there to support me in everything I do, and it was amazing to see the pride he took in this challenge, watching me do what I love. He has played a huge part in shaping me into the person I am today, and sharing this with him is something I will never forget.

Why Take on the Challenge?

I’ve always believed that we should challenge ourselves. Growth comes when we step outside our comfort zone. And if, while doing that, we can also help others along the way – then that’s the real gift.

The idea for the Big Cycle was simple: cycle 300 miles, stopping off at schools to run fun workouts with the children, while raising money for two incredible charities – Children’s Heartbeat Trust and Tiny Life. Both of these organisations mean a lot to me. They’ve supported families of my closest friends, and I’ve witnessed the incredible work they do in helping children and parents through some of the toughest times of their lives.

This was never just about me riding a bike. It was about proving that even after setbacks, even after injury, you can get back to doing what you love. It was about showing children in schools that movement is joy, that challenges are worth embracing, and that together we can make a difference.

the big cycle in numbers 

Before I get into the details, here is a breakdown of the numbers for the cycle.

• 🚴 300 miles cycled

• 📅 5 days on the road

• 🏫 27 schools visited

• 👧🧒 Over 6,800 pupils inspired

• 📍 8 counties reached

• 🎉 2 swings opened

• 💰 Over £3,400 raised (and still counting!) for Children’s Heartbeat Trust and Tiny Life

Day 1 – Enniskillen to Armagh

The challenge began at Enniskillen Integrated Primary School. At the start line with me were my partner Olivia, my youngest son Conlan, and my sister, who even joined me on the bike for a few miles – just one day after running the Belfast Half Marathon.

Inside the school, I led a workout with two classes in the hall. The energy was already electric. Then I walked outside and was blown away – over 60 posters were laid out, wishing me well, many in CORE Kids colours.

When it was time to leave, the whole school lined the hill outside. As I cycled up through the middle, it felt like the Tour de France – cheers, claps, high fives flying. What a way to start.

The next stop was St. Patrick’s Mullnaskea, where I was welcomed with a huge banner that read “Go Gary!” – which the children gifted to me as I left. This stop carried a heart-warming touch, as I was invited to open a new school swing dedicated to a pupil who had passed away. It would have been her 18th birthday. A very emotional and special moment to be part of.

From there, it was on through the beautiful countryside into Monaghan, where Eimear from CORE Kids Monaghan had helped set up our visit to Deravoy National School. Again, the reception was fantastic – posters, cheers, and energy everywhere.

The final stop was Armagh, before heading back for an early birthday celebration with family.

Day 2 – My 40th Birthday

My 40th birthday began with the trip from Armagh to Kings Park Primary, Lurgan, where nearly 700 children and staff greeted me on the football pitch. The energy was insane – dancing, jumping, chanting – and I had to keep some crowd control as I worked the stage and gave out high fives.

From there it was onto Fort Hill Primary in Lisburn, where principal Simon – a fellow Omagh man – welcomed me with kind words. Another great school, another brilliant crowd.

That evening, I landed in Belfast, where I was gifted a stay in the Grand Central Hotel. After grabbing food with my cousin and catching up on a few emails, I went to my first-ever improv show, where my friend Cormac Venney was performing. And yes – I celebrated the big 4-0 with a sneaky pint of Guinness.

Day 3 – Belfast to Coleraine

After breakfast, I cycled across Belfast to St. Oliver Plunkett’s, where my co-worker Sasha had set up a live workout with the P6 and P7 pupils which we stremed to schools all across Ireland. We had some technical hiccups, but we got there – and it was brilliant to have Sasha’s support.

From there, I headed to St. Malachy’s, then to Nettlefield Primary, where the welcome was deafening. Pupils, staff, parents – all cheering, waving, and shouting as I arrived. The charities joined us for these stops too, which was special – they got to see the joy and energy in the schools and hear the children’s reactions first-hand.

After a tough crawl through city traffic, I finally reached the open road and pedalled hard to Carniny Primary, Cullybackey. I made it just in time to meet pupils before they went home. This was an important stop, as one family at the school had directly benefited from Tiny Life, and the school had chosen them as their charity of the year.

That night, after one of the longest rides of the week, I reached Coleraine. Sasha had already arrived ahead of me, dropped off my bags, and left a pint waiting at the bar. I joked I had drunk more that week than I had all year.

Day 4 – North Coast to Strabane

The day started at Ballysally Primary, where a sea of red jumpers waited outside in the sunshine, cheering me in with music and posters. From there I cycled to Millburn Primary, then Harpur’s Hill Primary, each stop just as noisy and supportive as the last.

A tough climb followed – but the breathtaking views at the top made it worth it. And the reward of a long downhill carried me into Roe Valley Integrated, where pupils lined up with more posters and plenty of cheers, and even handed me buns as I left.

The next stop was Lisnagelvin Primary, where principal Colin took the mic to lead the welcome. The roar of “Gary! Gary!” from the children filled the yard – one of the loudest moments of the whole challenge.

At Sacred Heart Primary, I visited a classroom for a brief workout and a Q&A session. The pupils asked brilliant questions and, incredibly, some even offered to donate their shop money to the charities. My heart was full.

Finally, I crossed into my eighth county, Donegal, before stopping at my auntie’s house in Strabane, where I was handed a birthday card and a donation. A beautiful end to the day.

Day 5 – Family Day

The last day was all about family. It began at Knockavoe Special School in Strabane, where my sister has worked for over 20 years. I was joined by my cousins Damien and Christopher, and Ciara – a family friend whose son Dylan had been supported by Children’s Heartbeat Trust. Together with Dylan, Ciara, and Pogo, the therapy dog, we took a photo to mark the moment. I was honoured to open my second swing of the week – the school’s first wheelchair-accessible swing – before leading the whole school in a dance.

From there, I cycled to Omagh with my eldest son Josh by my side, while my mum and dad followed in the van. Into a headwind we pushed hard, racing the clock to fit in 10 school visits in just 3 hours.

We managed it – from my old primary school, Christ the King, to Arvalee Special School (where I had a dance-off with the pupils and Ronan from FitMinds), then Gibson, St. Conor’s, Holy Family, Omagh County, Omagh Integrated, Gaelscoil na gCrann, Recarson (joined by pupils from St. Brigid’s Mountfield), and finally St. Mary’s, Killyclogher. What a reception from each school. They really went out of their way, and it made me proud to be from the area. 

That last arrival was to St Mary's, marked the end of the cycle and was truly unforgettable. I cycled in with my youngest son, Conlan, sitting snugly between me and the handlebars, greeted by nieces, nephews, and cousins all cheering. Afterwards, all five of my nieces and nephews joined me for a celebratory lap – which quickly turned into a race around the car park – with Conlan still laughing along in front of me.

The day ended perfectly: a celebratory drink with my co-workers, cake with the family, and finally our free Family Fun Day with Hunter West Activity Group at Youth Sport Omagh. The place was packed – families playing, laughing, raising money, and celebrating together. The perfect ending to an unforgettable week.

My Top Takeaways

• The love and support from my family and friends is second to none. To share this with my dad, my partner Olivia, my children, my sister, my nieces, nephews, and co-workers was something I’ll never forget.

• The joy, excitement, and energy in every school reminded me of our CORE Kids mission – to inspire millions to live a happy, healthy, and more fulfilling life.

• Raising money and awareness for two amazing charities – Children’s Heartbeat Trust and Tiny Life – was an honour, and I’m proud to support the incredible work they do.

• The weather was kind, the countryside was stunning, and seeing our country at its best while cycling mile after mile made me feel alive.

• Completing another challenge in my life gives me pride – but also motivation for the next one.

The Big Cycle was never just about me pedalling 300 miles. It was about inspiring children, supporting families, raising awareness for two incredible charities, and proving that when we challenge ourselves, we discover just how much more we are capable of.

 

You can still donate to the two charities here - https://gvwhl.com/DRQQG

Here’s to the next challenge. 🚴‍♂️✨