Alan Heaney, co-owner/founder of Lely Center Mullingar, along with fellow members of Mayo Ultra-Cyclists, have successfully completed their 1,900km cycle challenge, raising over €70,000, respectively.
On Sunday, August 16th, the group undertook the challenge of cycling the distance through the 32 counties of Ireland from start to finish – all within six days – and in memory of James Alexander Moore, who was cared for in CHI at Temple Street.
They started in Mayo and cycled clockwise through every county, experiencing all weather-types, including Storm Ellen.
Whilst doing this challenge, they are using the opportunity to raise some much-needed funds for their chosen charities, with donations still accepted here.
The event was self-financed by all the cyclists and all proceeds collected are going directly to this year’s four chosen charities:
- Temple Street Foundation;
- Down Syndrome Ireland West;
- Mayo Roscommon Hospice;
- Turn2me.ie.
CHI at Temple Street
Ahead of the event, Denise Fitzgerald, chief executive of Temple Street Foundation, which is part of the Children’s Health Foundation family, said: “We are thrilled and so grateful to be chosen to benefit from the Mayo Ultra-Cyclists Challenge.”
“The funds will be put to use in CHI at Temple Street where they are needed most – from funding vital, life-saving equipment and providing essential patient and parental supports to making ground-breaking paediatric research possible.”
“On behalf of all the patients, families and staff of the hospital, thank you to everyone involved for your wonderful support.”
Dedicated Down syndrome centre
Deirdre Saul, Interim CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland said: “We are so incredibly grateful for the fantastic support of the Mayo Ultra Cyclists who are taking on this challenge to raise much-needed funds for us.”
“Money raised will help us build a dedicated Down syndrome centre and fully accessible playground in Swinford, Mayo which will directly support children and adults with Down syndrome in the wider western region.”
Roscommon Hospice
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation said: “We are honoured to be chosen as one of the three charities to benefit from this year’s Mayo Ultra Cyclists challenge.”
“These types of events are vital to us, as we continue to fund our palliative care service in the two counties and also progress with construction on our Roscommon Hospice, which will be completed next year.”
The funds raised from this 32 County Challenge will go specifically towards the Roscommon Hospice, which will be a state-of-the-art 8-bed inpatient unit, with full day care facilities, she explained.
Online mental health services
Diarmuid Scollard, co-founder of Turn2me.ie said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by the Mayo Ultra Cyclist as one of the charity partners for this year’s cycling event.”
“At a time when our services have seen a dramatic increase, we very much welcome this much needed donation.”
“Turn2me provides accessible professional online mental health services to adults and young people over 12. It will greatly help us help others in this challenging time.”
‘Make his plans a reality’
Simon and Heather Moore, parents of James, in whose memory the event is being held, said: “As a family, we are very appreciative of the love, care and attention we received in Temple Street from everyone including the nurses, porters, physios, occupational therapists, doctors etc.”
“There are many people in Temple Street who were very special to James, he had huge plans and ambitions to fundraise for the hospital and had planned a tractor run, which unfortunately did not happen due to Covid.”
“Our son James recently passed away and we want to make his plans a reality and help fundraise through this great initiative.”
The cyclists have thanked all who have donated to date, their wives and families for their support, fellow cyclists, virtual fans and last but not least their support team who were at their beck and call for the whole 1,900kms.
Image source: Mayo Ultra Cyclists
