I’m Hugh Bergin and in 2013 I set out from Kilkenny to cycle to Burma. The journey is being used to raise funds for and the profile of two charities both local – one educational NGO in Burma, the other a hospice in Kilkenny.
I don’t have a ready answer to the often-asked question… a bemused “why”? Only that – I can. Most of my adult life has been spent on the move. For four years I worked as an expedition leader in Asia and South America with a British travel company, and in 2008 I was the first Irishman (so I’m told) to travel around Africa by motorbike, down the west coast and back up the east in support of the Irish-based NGO Self Help Africa.
Kilkenny to Capetown – which includes my reports for The Irish Times and other newspapers – covers the the journey down the west coast, and Lap of Africa the return journey home back up the east coast.
This journey was by bicycle. There appears to be a progression here. I’m wondering if I’m next destined to attempt a long walk.
After the Africa adventure I completed an MA in Development Studies with Kimmage DSC, since then working for the college and doing consultancy work for other NGOs incl Oxfam Ireland.
