Grandad is cycling from Cork to China in aid of Pieta

WHEN I talk to Blarney man Bobby Murray, he is at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains, contemplating how he will navigate them.

This remarkable grandfather-of five has set out to cycle from Cork to China, a journey of 8,272km, in a bid to raise funds for Pieta House and in memory of his partner Margaret who died by suicide 33 years ago.

But he has hit a bit of a bump in the road.

“After cycling 800km, I felt a little niggle in my knee,” says Bobby, 55. “I’m taking it easy for a day or two after getting advice from medics.

“They gave me anti-inflammatory drugs and told me to rest up. I think I did too much too soon.”

Bobby adds with a chuckle: “I think I am a young fellow again!”

However, the niggle in the knee won’t divert him from his mission.

“The most important thing is the Pieta people,” says Bobby. 

Trying to raise awareness. All I can do is finish it. I hope my little legs hold up!

Bobby, riding his hybrid bike, has his passport, camp equipment, clothes, and cooking kit, and plans to do some ‘wild camping’ and stay with some generous families en- route.

“I’ve experienced some wonderful French hospitality already,” he says.

“I took a rest from the bike in the square of some obscure village, and I got talking to another chap who was looking for the public loos. He had good English and we struck up a conversation. A complete stranger approached us looking for change to use the launderette. He asked us back to his house for dinner. His wife cooked a meal for us, and it was delicious!”

Bobby got a good a night’s sleep too that night.

We had a superb meal, and I got a soft mattress for the night!

The first leg across France is only beginning. Bobby will cross the Pyrenees, Italy, Bosnia, Croatia, Albania, the ‘stans’, and Mongolia, before finally landing in northern China.

“I hope to do plenty of sightseeing too,” he says.

Bobby will also have plenty of time to think about his mammoth effort, helping raise funds for Pieta House and in memory of Margaret.

What are his memories of her?

“It was her birthday a few days ago which was a bit spooky,” says Bobby.

First loves occupy a special place in our hearts and shape our lives forever.

“Margaret was a very simple person; a kind and gentle woman,” says Bobby. 

She had an engaging way about her, and she’s pulled everyone along with her. Nobody ever said a bad word about her when she was alive or dead.

The couple hooked up.

“I was good friends with her sister, and that’s how we met.”

They went out together and were happy together.

“We went to discos, and went out for a few drinks at the weekend.”

They were the best of times and the worst of times.

“Margaret was a farmer’s daughter and worked as a nurse’s aid,” says Bobby. “I was working class.”

A tiler by trade, he and Margaret had two sons, Aidan and Stevie.

“They are fine young men,” says Bobby. “They are both doing the right things. They have good jobs. Aidan is an engineer in the army and Stevie works for Johnson & Johnson. Both lads own their own houses.”

They are both tying the knot too.

“Aidan is getting married in September and Stevie is planning to get married in May next year,” says Bobby proudly. 

When he tragically lost Margaret to suicide, there was nowhere to turn to. Then he found out about Pieta.

When I sought help from Pieta 10 years ago to help clear up a few issues, I bounced back, and life got better. Things that I hadn’t seen for a while clicked.

“I really admire the work that Pieta House do for people. They are experts. Back in the day there was no-one to talk to.”

Before Bobby made contact with Pieta House, life was tough.

“I did a few stupid things and I messed up a bit. I was young and foolish. Now I’ve bounced back. I am sober 10 years, and I am very lucky to have a house over my head. I lost a lot of years.”

Bobby, an avid cyclist, is making up for lost time.

“I’ve always liked cycling. Even though I am a keen cyclist, I never joined a cycling club.

“I find cycling meditative and it’s a great way to see the countryside. You also get to meet a few great people along the way.

“For three years after an accident, I didn’t cycle. I was a bit nervous.”

Now he is well and truly back on the saddle.

“Here in France, anybody on a bike is like God!” laughs Bobby. “The bike breaks down all barriers.”

Full of life and full of joie de vivre, he is not taking the slow boat to China; he is taking his hybrid bike.

“I hope the bike will take me all the way on my journey!” says Bobby.

He has love in his life these days.

“I reconciled with a previous girlfriend,” says Bobby. “Delores is a huge support to me. She is my rock. 

“She is some woman.”

She is a woman after Bobby’s own heart as well.

“I’ve often travelled over the Pyrenees in the camper van with her.”

Bobby’s mammoth charity trek will take 18 months; he is a man on a mission.

“I’m not finished yet,” he vow. 

I have a lot of living to do.

Margaret would be proud of him.

“I don’t know what she saw in me,” says Bobby.

Margaret probably saw a man who makes life count for his loved ones and for the people who are important to him.

“There are always new opportunities,” says Bobby.

Pieta provide free counselling to those with suicidal ideation, those engaging in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. Staff are fully qualified and provide a professional on-to-one therapeutic service.

Pieta House also operates a 24 hour helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text help to 51444.