Derry-Donegal charity cycle to be held to raise money for Children's Hospice
A charity cycle will take place from Derry to Donegal next week in memory of a little boy who died several years ago.
Conor McKinney-McCallion passed away at the age of three as a result of a rare condition called Niemann Pick.
During his illness, Conor and his family received great support from the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
Following his death, his family and friends organised a Tour of the Lough charity cycle to raise funds for the hospice.
The 50-mile cycle, which goes from Derry to Greencastle and back, has become an annual event and will set off again this year from the Foyle Arena at 9am on Saturday, September 2.
Event organiser Junior Morrison said: “This is a family friendly event that has been running successfully for 4 years; it now attracts over 100 cyclists and receives great support from the local Foyle Cycling Club.
“When we were personally touched by Connor’s battle, the amazing care by the Children’s Hospice nursing team and the heartbreak suffered by his parents, Stephen and Patrice, it really did put everything into prospective.
“This event also gives us the chance to highlight the fantastic care given to Connor and many local children and young people in Derry/Londonderry by Children’s Hospice Specialist care teams to many local children and young people who along with their families face huge challenges with great courage and bravery.
“I would like to thank everyone who put so much work into making this event possible, especially my colleague Noel Barr from the Foyle Cycling Club, Helen Henderson manager of St. Columb’s Park House and Fr. Canny such a constant source of strength to Connor’s parents, Stephen and Patrice.
“This year we are also joined by the Rapid Response Team who will be supplying a tasty barbeque after the ride.
“We are especially excited to announce a family fun afternoon will take place from 12:30 until 3pm and all are welcome to join us for face painting and games with the kids.
“The event is open to all and registration begins at 8.30am.
“I hope the weather is kind for us and that everyone enjoys a great day out.”
Northwest Children’s Hospice Support Group Chairperson Mary O’Neill said they were delighted to be involved with the event once again.
“As a mother of a disabled young person, I can fully appreciate the life line the Children’s Hospice care teams are to families of life limited children with very complex needs.
“Everybody taking part in the fundraising cycle challenge will help us to continue providing a much needed service here in the North West.”
To register for the cycle, call Stephen on 07756 482 621 or Junior on 07985 40 11 92.
Registration costs £20.00 per cyclist.
Evening entertainment and a raffle at Campbell’s Bar, Spencer Road, will be held after the cycle.