FORMER SHARK CIARAN TACKLING ROUND THE WORLD CYCLING CHALLENGE

Former Sharks flanker Ciaran Booth and his girlfriend Lucy Pickering are preparing to embark on an extraordinary 18,000-mile cycling expedition around the world, setting off from Manchester Rugby Club tomorrow (Saturday 8th August).

The pair will cycle through more than 30 countries over the next 18 months, averaging 100 kilometres every day while living almost entirely in a tent. Their mission is to raise £50,000 for Sport Parkinson’s, a charity that has transformed the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease through sport and physical activity.

What makes the challenge even more remarkable is that neither Ciaran, who featured once for the Sharks first team during the 2018/19 season before leaving to join Connacht, nor Lucy are experienced cyclists.

He said: “After seven years playing professional rugby, I was looking for the biggest challenge I could think of to fill the void and find purpose again. So, alongside my girlfriend Lucy, we’re cycling 18,000 miles around the world through more than 30 countries.”

Lucy only took up cycling six months ago, yet together they are preparing to spend the next year and a half riding across continents, tackling mountains, deserts and remote landscapes.

The challenge is deeply personal for Ciaran.

His mum, Annie Booth, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 11 years ago, shortly after Ciaran’s grandfather passed away from the same condition. Rather than allowing Parkinson’s to define her, Annie has become one of the UK’s most inspiring advocates for exercise and community. Make a difference awards audio

Through Sport Parkinson’s and walking football, she has found renewed confidence, purpose and friendship. Annie founded the UK’s first women’s walking football team, has supported the growth of Stockport County Walking Football, and has even represented England internationally.

Ciaran hopes their challenge will not only raise vital funds but also highlight the life-changing impact that exercise can have for people living with Parkinson’s.

He said: “Sport gave my mum hope, confidence and an incredible community after her diagnosis. We want to raise £50,000 so more people living with Parkinson’s can experience those same benefits.”

The couple also hope to inspire others to embrace adventure, regardless of experience.

Lucy is particularly passionate about encouraging young women to step outside their comfort zones.

She said: “You don’t need years of experience to have an adventure. Getting started is always the hardest part, but amazing things can happen when you take that first step.”

Throughout the expedition, Ciaran—now working as a professional videographer—will document the journey with regular films and updates from around the world, allowing supporters to follow every mile, from Europe to Asia and beyond.

They also hope to provide regular updates from the road—phone signal permitting, especially in the Himalayas.

You can support Ciaran’s fundraising via the following link: https://gofund.me/69b67157c