If you haven't been made aware of the legendary status of Speedo Mick, you're in for a treat.
Michael Cullen is a Liverpudlian and founder of 'The Speedo Mick Foundation'. The charity raiser found himself homeless and struggling with addiction earlier in his life.
Mick became isolated from society and said he blamed everyone but himself for his problems. He said his community, his friends and his family had all given up on him.
Now after setting up his very own registered charity, Speedo Mick has turned things around dramatically. From someone who was down and out; he's become a figure for hope.
Evening,
I needed to hear these beautiful soulful Irish voices today 🎶
Big mahoosive THANK YOU to Katrina and at @PennyDinnersCor plus you beautiful people who came out to give me a warm welcome.
These people are amazing.
The Giving Back Tour : https://t.co/v85En2ni6Q pic.twitter.com/Xo7ltJtRUK— Speedomick (@speedomick) July 30, 2021
But where did he become known for donning his famous Speedos? In 2014, Mick swam the length of the English Channel in less than 16 hours for charity after little swimming experience.
He was a regular fan fixture at Everton games at Goodison Park, and turned up to their next home game in a pair of Blue Speedos with 'Channel Swimmer' proudly donned on his chest.
It was from there that he became trademarked for wearing the swimming outfit and bearing all. He's become infamous for his long walking journeys with just himself, his underwear, a swimming cap, boots and a scarf.
Afternoon guys and gals I'm on a big trek today...41km from #Ennis to #Limerick joined by the lovely Vanessa and the Spencer family, 3 generations of big blues playing the #Everton anthem #SpiritoftheBlues 💙💙 Brought a massive smile to my face thanks guys #Ireland #EFC @Everton pic.twitter.com/yWUlFYQTAw
— Speedomick (@speedomick) July 25, 2021
He has since walked from the city of Liverpool to Lyon, racking up 700 miles in the process, and walked from the northerly point of John O'Groats south to Land's End in the UK.
Throughout his adventures, he has raised over £600,000 for charity and met thousands on the way. As with most, the Covid-19 pandemic was tough for Mick and the charities he has helped.
Now, with the lockdown coming to an end, Mick's latest venture is called the 'Speedo Mick Giving Back Tour'. It's a mammoth task that will see him cover 2,000 miles through Ireland and the UK.
Good morning all,
Another day of stomping! 👣😉
A big THANK YOU to Walter Raleigh Hotel in Yougal 💙
Off to #Dungarvan hope to see you along the way.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 : https://t.co/v85En2ni6Q pic.twitter.com/BqA5W1eNXP— Speedomick (@speedomick) August 5, 2021
As of right now, Mick finds himself making his way from Cork to Wexford. Friday will see him venture from Dungarvan to Bunmahon.
He's a must follow on social media, especially over the last few weeks. Mick has been all over the north and west coast of Ireland, meeting locals and passers by on the roads.
So if you're out and about and see a rogue man walking around in his underwear, he hasn't forget his trousers. It's likely Speedo Mick!
You can help out his journey via the Go Fund Me link here.
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