20260418 Mouldy Goes To Milan Session MGM 001

Folks,

Thank you for visiting the site where we aim to provide regular updates of the challenge Mouldy Goes to Milan

Background:

I’m Paul Muldoon, a proud member of our Global Celtic Family and a lifelong supporter. I am very proud of the incredible work done by Celtic FC Foundation. Cycling has always been a passion of mine, and over the past 18 years, I’ve combined that love with fundraising for causes close to our hearts.

In 2017, I cycled all the way to Lisbon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions, helping to raise £74,000 – A journey that will stay with me forever.

In 2020, plans were in place for another epic ride from Celtic Park to Milan to mark the 50th anniversary of our team reaching the European Cup Final. Sadly, COVID-19 forced us to cancel that challenge.

Fast forward to 2023: my friends completed a fantastic cycle to Seville, raising an incredible £100,000 for the Foundation. Due to chronic back and nerve pain, I couldn’t join them on the road at the time, but I did my part virtually—replicating the route on my smart trainer at home and contributing to the fundraising effort and the amazing memories

What are we trying to achieve:

I’ll be cycling 1,050 miles and climbing 123,909 feet—virtually—from Glasgow to Milan. It won’t be fast, but I’ll get there. Every pedal stroke will be dedicated to raising much-needed funds for Celtic FC Foundation, whose work in tackling poverty, promoting health, and supporting equality is something I’m deeply proud of.

Why:

In recent years, chronic back and neck pain slowly became a constant part of my life. It didn’t just affect my body — it chipped away at my confidence and my motivation to take on the kind of endurance challenges I once loved. Gradually, intense exercise faded into the background, and my energy was poured instead into family life, work, and following Celtic.

Back in 2017, around the time of the Lisbon cycle, I was reasonably fit at about 14 stone. But with ongoing health struggles and very limited exercise, things began to slide. Almost without noticing, the weight crept on, and by December I had ballooned to around 300 pounds. With that came frustration, self‑doubt, and the feeling that I was drifting further away from the person I used to recognise.

This challenge is about far more than a bike ride. It’s about drawing a line and taking something back — my health, my confidence, and my sense of purpose. It’s a chance to rebuild both physically and mentally, to prove to myself that setbacks don’t define the ending of the story, and that it’s never too late to start pedalling forward again.

Now, after years of health challenges and progression, it’s time to finish what I started. Mouldy Goes to Milan is officially underway!

How:

During Mouldy Goes To Seville sessions I had explained how we would simulate the cycle, you can read about it here

Where are we just now:

We kicked this project off in December with a clear goal: to support The Paradise Recovery Café and raise £40,000 for a cause that changes lives. What began as an idea quickly turned into action, driven by the belief that recovery, community, and hope deserve real backing.

Over recent months, a huge amount of energy has gone into helping set up a Race Night at Celtic Park — an incredible night that raised £8,620 towards the project. The generosity, support, and shared belief in what we’re trying to achieve has been genuinely humbling.

Now it’s about keeping that momentum alive. The next step is pushing on, finding new ways to raise additional funds, and taking the project forward through an online auction. Every contribution, big or small, keeps the wheels turning and brings us closer to the goal. I’ll keep posting updates and sharing details of any new ideas and initiatives as the journey goes on, so everyone can follow along and be part of it.

Todays cycle:

Having not been on a bike since August 2025, it was genuinely amazing just to get back on and get started again. Sometimes the biggest win is simply beating procrastination.

Today’s ride started in Paradise and headed out through the east end of Glasgow, finishing on the outskirts of Uddingston — just a goal‑kick away from Jinky’s statue.

The session clocked in at 5.89 miles with 453 feet of climbing, with the direction of travel very much west to east. It felt like a solid first step back.

The route brought back some great memories too, as parts of it featured in The Road To Lisbon 2017 — a nice reminder of where this journey all began.

Mouldy Goes To Milan – Session MGM 001

I’ve shared a few screenshots from the Strava and Rouvy apps showing the route and session details.

Today’s kit

Focusing on comfort and the fact that I am a big frame, tight lycra is currently not my friend.

Therefore I decided to wear something more comfortable from the Celtic shirt collection and plan to do so for the foreseeable future

I wore the green short sleeve training top by Adidas from season 2025 2026

The montage below is completed, with a pleasant back drop of the The Road To Milan 2020 Cycling Top

Donate:

You can support this journey by donating at:

👉https://www.justgiving.com/page/mouldygoestomilan

Alternatively by scanning the QR code below

Your contribution, no matter the amount, will help us continue supporting individuals on their recovery journey and will make a meaningful difference to the work of the Foundation.

Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.

Previous blogs

Along the way, we’ve put together a series of blogs — you can find them all here. Previous blogs here

Gallery