About me

Retiree Tony Walker and his Pets As Therapy (PAT) support dog Levko (Ukrainian: Little Lion) are teaming up again in 2026 with 'Sysyphus' a 35 year old Rampage mountain bike that cost an amazing £20 to complete a sponsored cycle across Ireland!

All proceeds to be donated to Ukrainian Medical Aid.

About this project

The story so far!

In 2019, while recovering from the death of his wife Maria, Tony and Levko began walking long distances to numb the pain of loss.

In 2024, they completed the Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks Challenge in under 12 hours!

In 2025, Tony and Levko were joined by Sysyphus (a mountain bike!) as they meandered between the Isles of Scilly and the Shetland Isles and back, a total of  3,219 km (2,000 miles) on foot and pedal cycle, taking 155 days!

In 2026, the objective will be to traverse the 500 km (310 mile) Irish border, established in 1921, which separates the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland (UK), which runs from Lough Foyle to Carlingford Lough and has 300 road crossings, all of which are currently open, allowing free movement in either direction.

Once again, they will be going there and back!

The goal which is hoping to raise £1,500, for essential medical aid for Ukraine, starts on 15th April and will take as long as it takes.

Rewards on offer

Every penny donated will be donated to a Ukrainian Medical Aid charity to support those injured in the war Ukraine.

The team

Dogsbody! Tony Walker who is coming to the end of his seventh decade!

Team Leader - Levko Walker a Pets As Therapy emotional support companion also coming to the end of his seventh decade in dog years!

Work horse! 'Sysyphus' - a 35 year old Rampage mountain bike that cost 20-quid in a charity shop! Named after the Greek King of Ephyra - for obvious reasons?!

Risks and challenges

The key to completing this challenge safely is to cycle no more than 32 km (20 miles) a day.

Campsites will be located as near to the border as possible to reduce daily car mileage, saving fuel costs.

The main aim is to locate venues, characters and communities that are immersed in traditional music, to make the journey both happy and memorable, for one man, his dog, his bike and his long suffering rucksack - Atlas!

But that's another story?