A Pink Tuk-Tuk, a Coastal Odyssey, and a Cause Close to the Heart
We were delighted to hear Dean Lambert speaking recently on Clare FM as he continues his remarkable journey around the coast of Ireland – all in support of Boot Out Breast Cancer.
Dean’s journey is anything but ordinary. Travelling in a bright pink tuk-tuk, he is making his way along Ireland’s coastline, a trip of around 2,000 miles, raising vital funds and awareness for breast cancer.
As Dean himself put it:
“I only found out two days before I got it that it was going to be pink, but it does really suit the charity, so I don’t mind looking a bit mad.”
And it’s that spirit; fun, fearless, and deeply committed, that has captured attention everywhere he goes.
A Journey With Purpose
Dean shared the emotional experience that led him to take on this challenge. After his wife faced a worrying health scare, the couple endured months of uncertainty:
“For a couple of months, we went through the ringer a bit, because we didn’t know what we was dealing with.”
Thankfully, the outcome was positive, but the experience left a lasting impact. Combined with breast cancer affecting other family members, it motivated Dean to act:
“I just want to try and help towards that if I can.”
From Motorbike to Tuk-Tuk
Dean is no stranger to endurance challenges. Just six months ago, he completed a 4,197-mile journey around the UK coastline on a small motorbike, raising £3,000.
This time, things look a little different.
Swapping two wheels for three, the tuk-tuk has brought new challenges:
- A top speed of just 66 km/h
- Slowing dramatically on hills
- A unique gear system “like an old Vespa”
But Dean has embraced it:
“It’s been strange to get used to, but I’m seven days into the trip now… and I’m getting more used to it.”
The Kindness of Strangers
One of the most powerful parts of Dean’s story has been the generosity he’s encountered along the way.
From Wexford to Cork, people have opened their homes, offered meals, and supported him however they can:
“When you open yourself up to the road, you open yourself up to meeting lovely people.”
What started as offers of a place to pitch a tent has often turned into much more:
“I was camping in people’s gardens, but when I got there, they’d say, ‘we’ve made the spare room up for you.’”
A Coastal Adventure
Dean’s route has already taken him from Manchester across to Dublin, and then down the southeast coast through Wexford, Tramore, and Cork. As he now heads towards Clare – including Kilkee and Lahinch – he’s taking in the beauty of Ireland at a slower pace.
And perhaps that’s part of the magic:
“The problem is… you’ve got so many beautiful places over here. I keep stopping all the time – taking pictures, looking around, chatting with people.”
Supporting the Cause
Dean is raising funds through his journey, currently sitting at over £600 and growing, with donations coming both online and from people he meets along the way.
Despite feeling hesitant about fundraising again so soon after his UK trip, the response has been overwhelmingly positive:
“People have been really kind… taking pictures of the tuk-tuk and scanning the QR code.”
Looking Ahead
This Irish trip is just one part of a much bigger vision. Dean plans to travel the entire European coastline over a series of trips, all in support of BOBC.
For now, his focus is on completing Ireland’s coast and returning to Dublin by mid-April, with plenty more stories, videos, and even a book to come.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Everyone at Boot Out Breast Cancer would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dean.
Your creativity, determination, and generosity are making a real difference – not just in funds raised, but in awareness, positivity, and community spirit.
We are incredibly grateful for everything you’re doing.
💗 Safe travels, Dean – we’ll be cheering you on every mile!
