It may have been the toughest thing Gary Wilson and William Porterfield have ever done but every one of their 380-mile charity bike ride from Cork to Belfast paid handsome dividends.
The coffers of Cancer Research UK are now better off to the tune of almost £30,000 as the pair literally earned almost £80 for every mile covered.
The five-day push took them from Cork to Kilkenny, Dublin, Armagh, Londonderry and finally to Belfast, where they were greeted by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavin Robinson.
And it was money-raising all the way thanks to people’s generosity north and south of the border.
The charity challenge ended with a money-spinning dinner at Belfast’s Europa Hotel.
A host of auction and ballot items went like hotcakes, with items including two passes for every England and Surrey game at the Kia Oval next summer, including the final Ashes Test, fetching £2,200.
For Wilson and Porterfield it’s been gruelling to say the least and for Wilson there’s been more than a touch of emotion after his passed away earlier in the year.
“I think everyone’s family has been touched by the disease and I guess that’s why everyone has been so generous,” he said.
“I am so grateful to the very many people who contributed - and, of course, particularly to William. His was a mark of true friendship.”
The two cricketers will now have a deserved rest.
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