LifeCycle founder completes Hadrian's Wall for renal research

Alan Curry, formerly of Haydon Bridge, established LifeCycle and later Lifewalk to fundraise for renal research when his wife, Carmen, suffered renal problems and underwent treatment at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Alan, 64, was in the military police for 16 years before becoming a personal fitness instructor and moving to Malta 30 years ago.

He now owns and runs a fitness studio and teaches courses on fitness and nutrition. 

Alan Curry, founder of LifeCycle and Lifewalk (Image: Alan Curry)

He began the Hadrian's Wall challenge, joined by approximately 15 Maltese colleagues and clients, on May 25 and finished on May 28.

The 145-kilometre challenge aims to raise further awareness and funds for international kidney disease research, as well as kidney disease research and renal patients in Malta and Gozo.

Approximately €6,000 was raised through the challenge.

Alan during the challenge (Image: Alan Curry)

Alan organises and completes extensive LifeCycle challenges, including cycling from Argentina to Chile and from Vietnam to Laos and Cambodia.

"Back in 1999, my wife Carmen had kidney failure and I cycled back from Malta to Haydon Bridge (3,200km) to raise money and awareness of this chronic illness. Since then, I set up a foundation called 'LifeCycle' and every year we organise an extreme cycle challenge of approximately 2,000km over 10 days," he said.

Alan and the Lifewalk team at The Sill (Image: Alan Curry)

"We do these challenges all over the world and we have visited 53 countries in that time and raised around €4 million. 

"In 2021 due to the pandemic, we also added Lifewalk which is a four-day challenge to walk the iconic Hadrian’s (Roman) Wall.

"On Tuesday, May, 28, 17 hardy souls again took part and again the aim was to raise money and awareness for persons suffering from renal failure.

"The experience as ever was amazing and we now set our sights on October 25, when a 30-person team, including myself, the oldest cyclist, will fly to Gaborone in Botswana and cycle 1,900km in just 10 days to the Cape of Good Hope, Capetown, South Africa. 

"One of our projects is an international research programme currently being carried out into possible preventive measures to combat chronic kidney failure. 

"Donations to this cause can be made through our website www.lifecyclefoundation.com or via Revolut on 99329101," he added.

All funds go towards renal research.