Pedalling for Purpose: Gav’s Paris to Nice Cycle for Aware

At Poulet Bonne Femme, our community has always been at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s through the food we serve or the causes we support, we believe in showing up with care, and this September, our co-founder Gavin is doing just that in a deeply personal and inspiring way.

Gavin has committed to taking part in a cycle from Paris to Nice - that’s over 700km across France - in support of the Irish charity, Aware. The journey is no small feat, especially for someone who has never attempted anything like it before. However, it is the reason behind the ride that makes it truly powerful.

The idea to take on this challenge came after Gavin heard the heartbreaking story of a family who lost their 21-year-old son to suicide. As a father of four himself, the story struck a profound chord. “I just couldn’t stop thinking about the pain that family must be carrying,” he said. “No family should have to endure that kind of loss.”

Aware is a charity that provides support, education, and understanding for people impacted by depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Their work is essential, offering a lifeline to those navigating mental health challenges and helping families who are doing their best to understand and support loved ones. In 2024 alone, 30,000 people received direct support to manage their mood, 17,000 people were empowered through education programmes to protect their mental health, and over 500,000 people benefited from Aware’s trusted information and resources. 

These numbers represent real people, real families, and real stories, making Gavin’s fundraising effort all the more meaningful.

He has just begun his training journey, with hills, long distances, and many saddle hours ahead. His goal is to raise a minimum of €3,000 for Aware, and every euro raised will go directly towards the charity’s life-saving services.

We’ll be cheering him on every step (or pedal!) of the way, and sharing updates from his training through our Instagram. If you’d like to support Gavin and help make a difference, you can donate via his fundraising link here.

This September, it’s not just about reaching the Riviera, it’s about riding with heart, for a cause that really matters.