‘My skateboard journey round the Wild Atlantic Way to honour my friend’

Becky Gilmour, a 26-year-old from Banbridge, is nearing the completion of her extraordinary skateboarding journey along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Embarking on this 2,500-kilometer (1,553-mile) coastal route in June, Becky aims to finish by December, before the winter weather worsens. Her mission is deeply personal: to raise awareness about suicide, a cause she was inspired to champion after losing a friend during the Covid-19 pandemic. Becky hopes her journey will encourage open conversations about mental health and demonstrate that outdoor adventures are accessible to everyone, regardless of perceived barriers like cost or athletic ability. Despite not considering herself an athlete, Becky has skated between 20 to 60 kilometers (12 to 37 miles) daily, relying on her trusty longboard, which has required minimal maintenance. Her journey has taken her through picturesque counties like Mayo, where she praised the smooth road surfaces, though she admitted to enduring a few challenging falls. Along the way, Becky has engaged with local communities, visited schools, and even taken to the sea on a paddleboard with her friend Adam, exploring islands like Aran, Inishbofin, and Clare. She has also left behind murals in each county she visits, funded by donations, to spread hope and support for those struggling with mental health issues. Becky’s journey will culminate in Portrush, County Antrim, where she purchased her first longboard with her late friend. Her story has resonated with many, inspiring others to embrace adventure and advocate for mental health awareness.