I never cease to be amazed by the level of community activity that goes on around the country for good causes.
I was delighted to meet Waterford DJ extraordinaire Tom Russell and his lovely wife Shirley on a pitstop in the Premier which also provided an insight into one such community undertaking by Portlaw Village Wheelers in a few weeks.
Waterford GAA ledge John Mullane is lending his support to the initiative by Portlaw Village Wheelers, a local cycling group that was formed about three years ago.
Eighteen members of the group have decided to cycle to four Munster airports to raise much needed funds for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and the Irish Red Cross Portlaw Branch.
Most people taking part in the cycle have kids so raising money for Crumlin would be very close to their hearts.
Deise star John Mullane was on hand to launch the event jersey at the Square, Portlaw.
The journey and Day 1 begins on Friday 28th of April 2017 at 8am, the white flag will be raised by current Waterford Senior Hurling Manager Derek McGrath, then the riders depart from Waterford Airport and cycle to Shannon Airport, 162kms. (Ouch)
Day 2 takes them from Bunratty to Macroom via Farranfore Airport in Kerry, 172Kms.
Day 3 and the last leg of the cycle will take the riders from Macroom to Cork Airport from where they begin the journey home to Portlaw in Co Waterford, 166Kms.
The 17men and 1 lady will cover about 500kms over the three days.
The furthest distance any of these cyclists have cycled is 180kms in the same day.
So, to cycle an average of 170kms on 3 consecutive days will certainly be a test of character and endurance for all of them.
For the 18 participants, this is a weekend that they will never forget and lifetime friendships will be formed.
Training for the event is well underway at this stage.
ALL money raised is going directly to the nominated charities. Each cyclist’s jersey, shorts and overnight accommodation expenses is being covered by themselves personally, so 100% of money raised is going straight to the charities.
Commenting on the event, chairperson and participant Tyrone Whyte said….
“As you can appreciate we hope to raise as much money possible in order to help make a difference to the lives of some of these kids who are in such need of funding. With your support we know we can help make that difference”
“We have set up a Facebook page @Munster Airports Challenge, which we use to promote our fundraiser to a huge number of people. We have gathered great support over the last few weeks and the event has gathered huge momentum.
A ‘go fund me’ account has also been set up.
We would be extremely grateful for any help or support that you can give us to help make this event reach its maximum potential. Every cent raised will be donated to both great charities, with Crumlin Children’s Hospital being the main beneficiary”
You know what to do.
Facebook @munsterairportschallenge or email munsterairportschallenge@gmail.com
