Mayo women begin Mizen to Malin charity cycle today

SEVENTEEN women from Westport Women on Wheels (WOW) Triathlon and Cycling Club will today begin their journey from Mizen Head to Malin Head to raise funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and Mayo Rape Crisis Centre.

Aged between 30 and 50 years old, those taking part are expected to complete the 592km journey in just four days.

The route the group are taking is Schull to Charleville to Athlone, to Enniskillen to Malin. On Friday, they will take a break and call into Roscommon Hospice for tea. On Saturday, they will complete their journey to Malin.

With a target of €25,000, the group have already raised over €29,000.

Grainne Kennedy is just one of the cyclists taking part in memory of her sister Sinead, who received care in Mayo Hospice before her death in December 2022.

Grainne said: “Sinead went to day care every Tuesday in Mayo Hospice and she loved it. She loved getting her hair and nails done. She absolutely loved the facilities and she was comfortable at the hospice.

“Sinead spent her final 10 days in Mayo Hospice and she is the reason why we’re doing this fundraiser - to give back to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation so that they can support other families who are going through what we went through.”

CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, Martina Jennings, said: “We are so grateful to be one of Westport Women on Wheels’ chosen charities and we wish them all the very best of luck over the next few days as they cycle from Mizen Head to Malin Head.

“I’m very much looking forward to meeting everyone as they stop off at Roscommon Hospice this Friday.

“All funds raised make a huge difference to our patients, who have life limiting illnesses, ensuring we provide the best facilities possible to both them and their families. We have our two Hospices up and running but we do need continued support to keep them going.”

Mayo Rape Crisis Centre has also extended good wishes to the team as they set off on their journey.

Mayo RCC board member Lorraine Toner is among the group taking on the challenge.

You can donate here - https://www.idonate.ie/event/wowm2m.

You can follow Grainne’s journey on https://dashboard.hammerhead.io/live/MQZKYZUk.