A BRAVE band of avid cyclists are set for the journey of a lifetime in the name of charity.
On Monday, September 30, a team of some24 riders will set off from The Claddagh Ring in North London bound Liverpool.
From there they will head across the Irish sea and cycle on to Dublin.
They will be joined by four more riders at Croke Park for the final leg of their epic journey, arriving in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.
The group have come together to raise money to help support those suffering from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).
MND is caused by a problem with motor neurone cells in the brain and nerves, and AD is thought to be caused by abnormal build-up of proteins in and around the brain cells. Both diseases are progressive and require professional care and frequent treatment.
The group are hoping to do their bit for those suffering from these degenerative conditions with the fundraising bike ride and have set themselves a goal of raising £50,000 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Their route was chosen with lost loved ones in mind - Frank Kelly, the brother-in-law of Finbar Holian who is completing the ride, passed away from MND on October 2017 having lived in Ballaghaderreen all his life.
A true family man, friend, the local postman, he was also huge part of Ballaghaderreen GAA both as a player and Manager.
Similar the ride's London beginning serves as a tribute to Wexford-born Irishman Joe Lynch, who recently passed away from Alzheimer’s.
Lynch spent the last few years of his life in Enfield, where he proved a popular figure, managing and chairing Saint Theresa’s GAA Club.
More significantly, he actually cycled to Ireland with some of the present team 27 years ago, starting at The Claddagh Ring.
There are now just a few weeks of training and fundraising left before the big race.
Anyone wanting to support the team can do so by sponsoring them via the Just Giving London to Ballaghaderreen Sponsored Bike Ride page.
An Official Bike Team Fund Raising Night is also taking place on Saturday, August 24, at The Claddagh Ring with Music, Special Guests, Bike Ride and Support Team in attendance, Raffle, Aucton, Irish Dancing Display and lots of fun and craic.
Those wishing the greet the team on the finishing line, meanwhile, should head to Ballaghaderreen on Saturday October 5 at some time around 6pm, with a celebration party set to take place at The Brusna Inn just outside the town.
