John's epic ride for charity

A tireless charity fundraiser, who was spurred into action after donating a kidney to his daughter, has just completed his latest feat of endurance.

Freemason John Donoghue cycled 1,060 miles across Europe and raised £3,000 – taking his charity total over the last 11 years to more than £70,000.

Along with friend David Vaughan he cycled from Cherbourg in France, through the Gallic nation to Bilbao in Spain where he got on a ferry.

After arriving back in the UK, John pedalled all the way to Great Queen Street in London where the Freemasons’ headquarters is situated.

The ride was arduous with up to 98 miles covered daily and sometimes in temperatures of 35 degree C (95F).

John and David tackled the Pyrenees and only retired to their tents each night when they couldn’t go any further.

John said, “On 1 November 2006, I donated a kidney to my eldest daughter Tara who was suffering from an incurable illness called Lupus.

“After coming home from hospital I felt I should do something special for sick children. So for the next 11 years I gave up my two weeks’ annual leave to raise funds for charity. None of this would have been possible without the support of my friend David Vaughan who has supported me on every cycle ride.”

John added, “When I finished the latest trek I was greeted in London by other Freemasons and representatives of charities that I helped raise the money for. It was an exhausting ride but knowing the money goes to such good causes made it worth it.

“I believe we are all capable of making a difference; if we each pick up a stone we can build a wall – our wall will be one of hope and joy for a better tomorrow for all.”

John has donated money to Lifelites, which provides technology for children in hospices, Julia’s House children’s hospices, Naomi House and Jacksplace hospices, The Dorset Kidney Fund, The Royal College of Surgeons, Help for Heroes and two Masonic charities now part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

He is a Bournemouth Freemason, which is in the Masonic Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight.