Essex-based cyclist to undertake 2,200 mile Irish challenge to raise money for Irish groups in Britain
Aidan pictured at the entrance to St Peter's
Essex-based cyclist Aidan Spence will be passing through County Waterford as part of a 2,200-mile journey around Ireland celebrating the historic links between Ireland and Essex.
However, he will also be raising funds for Irish community organisations in Britain.
Through the challenge, titled 'Aidan Cycles for Cedd', he hopes to raise £2,200 - equivalent to £1 for every mile cycled - and the money raised will go towards St Cedd's GAA, St Cedd's Céilí Band, Cúpla Focal na nGael Chelmsford and the wider work of Chelmsford Irish.
Following his departure from Rosslare on June 26, Aidan's route will take him through Waterford before continuing west through Cork, Kerry, Clare and Limerick.
Along the way, he hopes to meet local people, visit heritage sites, experience traditional music and language communities, and learn more about the traditions that continue to shape Irish life today.
Waterford occupies a special place in Ireland's Christian heritage through St Declan of Ardmore, one of Ireland's earliest saints.
Like St Cedd, whose story inspired this challenge, Declan belonged to a tradition that helped shape communities across Ireland and beyond.
More than 1,300 years later, Aidan's journey will celebrate the historic connections and the enduring cultural ties between Ireland and Essex.
The ride takes its name from St Cedd, Essex's Irish-speaking patron saint.
In 654 AD, he founded a monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea on the Essex coast.
Educated in the Irish monastic tradition associated with Colmcille and Iona, he spoke Irish and helped forge lasting links between Ireland and Essex.
There is also a remarkable connection behind the name.
St Cedd was trained under St Aidan of Lindisfarne, one of the great figures of the Irish missionary tradition.
More than 1,300 years later, another Aidan is setting out to explore the culture, communities and traditions that helped shape that shared history.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Aidan said: "This journey is about more than cycling. It's an opportunity to explore Ireland, celebrate our shared heritage and highlight the connections between Ireland and Essex that stretch back more than 1,300 years."
"I'm looking forward to meeting people across the island, hearing their stories and sharing the experience with the community back home," he said.
"If I can also help support Irish culture, language, music and sport in Essex along the way, then all the better," he added.
The challenge will be documented throughout the summer on social media, where supporters will be able to follow Aidan's progress and learn more about the places, people and traditions he encounters along the way.
Follow the journey on Instagram: @aidancyclesforcedd and if you want to give Aidan your support go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chelmsford-irish
