New cycle challenge launched for IHF

Sports journalist and former professional cyclist Paul Kimmage pictured with his daughter Evelyn as they call on cycling enthusiasts nationwide to join him and his daughter on the 10th anniversary Cycle for Care in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) this June. (Picture: Robbie Reynolds)

The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) Cycle Challenge is the charity’s biggest annual fundraising event and with the pandemic scuppering plans for the 2020 event in Italy, the IHF is calling on everyone to get on their bike and be a part of a special team challenge this year.

Each year 60 cyclists take on a 600km cycle to raise vital funds for Nurses for Night Care, a free national service enabling people with non-cancer related illnesses to spend their final days at home whilst receiving professional palliative nursing care.

The demand for this service increases each year and the funds raised by cyclists have been vital in helping to keep up with demand.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s Cycle Challenge in Italy is not going ahead, something which will leave a huge gap in funding this vital service.

Knowing this, one of the IHF’s loyal cyclists has set a different challenge – simply cycle 20km on June 20 and donate €20.

Over 4,500 families have been cared for by the Nurses for Night Care service with over 13,000 nights of care delivered since it was established.

The Kingspan-sponsored cycle has raised over €2 million for the IHF since it started in 2009.

Any pedal power counts – bicycle, electric bike, static bike, the choice is yours.

Even more, you might encourage 20 friends to sponsor you or take up the challenge themselves. 

It’s simple – 20km – 20th June 2020. 

For more information and to take part visit www.hospicefoundation.ie or email louise.mccarron@hospicefoundation.ie