NOMINATOR

NOMINEE

• Background and Extent of fundraising undertaken: In early 2008 Paul had an idea. Having previously suffered from cancer and come out the other side he wanted to give something back, but he wanted to do something big. He decided to take is old camper van on a trip to Europe. Not just any trip though he was going to visit all 27 states of the EU in 27 days.. And so it began. Paul recruited a team of co drivers who would join him along the way as well as help him fundraise.
  
  Everything about the trip was epic. The distance to be covered, the challenge of completing it in 27 days, the clapped out camper van and the €50,000 target. As part of the fundraising drive Paul decided to set a world record by seeing how many people he could cramp into his camper van. He toured around the college campuses of Ireland laying down the challenge to students and they took it up with gusto (83 was the record set by Waterford IT). Paul then took on the Dublin women's mini marathon, well not personally but her recruited 75 ladies to take part on his behalf and raise money for 27 in 27. He set up a website to track his progress 27in27.eu. Organised a sports auction featuring some amazing memorabilia. Ran a very successful gold day and all with a smile (well nearly). They even 'kidnapped' 2 teddy bears from a local primary school to bring on the trip around Europe too. If you really want the inside scoop on what went on all you have to do is read Patch and Stitch's blog on the website.
  
  

  The figures for what Paul achieved are staggering

  • 2 World Records (to be verified by Guinness) first person to drive all 27 states of the EU in under 27 days and Biggest number of people in a camper van
  • 14051km covered
  • 75 women participating in the Flora Women's Mini Marathon
  • €47,000 and still counting
  • 5 co-drivers
  • 2 kidnapped Teddy bears
  • Lots of favours called in
  • And a lot of stories that can never be told

• Distinctiveness of the effort: Paul has helped widen our reach in the Carlow/Kildare area. There is much more awareness of our programmes and activities and it has enabled us to target Carlow as a potential growth area now that we have increased our volunteer base on the back of his exploits

• Longevity: Paul is a new volunteer who only came to us with his 'idea' before the summer of 2008. The trip took over a year to plan and execute but we're not quite finished with Paul yet.

• Innovation: Paul managed to energise the students of IT Carlow to help raise funds for his record attempt. He recruited over 70 students to enter the Flora women's mini marathon on our behalf. He enlisted RTE's Kathryn Thomas to launch the trip at a photo call. He has been working with Nationwide with the view to them producing a 'special' on the trip. He as consistently used is own contacts/friends and friends of friends to help him raise money, call in favours and get the job done bringing new supporters and volunteers to the Irish Cancer Society in the process

• Leading by example: Paul has led from the front. It was his survival of cancer the provided the motivation to give back. He drove the fundraising efforts. He recruited all his helpers and volunteers. He made contact with media outlets all over the country to raise the profile of their project. He has also set 2 world records in the process by cramping 83 people in the back of the van and by completing the 27 States of the EU in less than 27 Days. He set the goals for the trip and he led his team towards achieving them.