Staff of The Connaught Telegraph - Bernard Hughes, Darren McKenna, Helen Summerville and Tom Kelly - wishing the event every success.

Mayo Pink Ribbon Charity Cycle is ready to roll

THE Mayo Pink Ribbon Cycle takes place tomorrow (Saturday) as part of a big bank holiday weekend in the county.

And the message from Pink Ribbon chairperson Lourda McHugh is that there is still time to register before the 9.30 a.m. deadline tomorrow morning.

She said: “We have had a wonderful response this year, and are encouraged to see large numbers of cyclists returning to Mayo again this year to participate in the cycle.”

For those who haven't yet registered, there is still time - you can find all the information you need and registration details at www.mayopinkribbon.ie.

The committee has undertaken an extensive awareness campaign again this year for the cycle, with the goal of creating awareness around breast cancer research and raising vital funds for the cause.

“Our painted pink bikes are now located all around Mayo,” Lourda explained.

“They are a colourful and cheerful reminder to everyone of this event, and the importance of breast cancer research.

“Last year's cycle raised in excess of €100,000, something which we are hoping to match again this year.

“To date we have raised almost €700,000 which has funded the work of post-doctoral research scientists at Breast Cancer Research (formerly NBCRI) in NUI Galway.”

Lourda emphasised the importance of community spirit and volunteerism as a fundamental part of the success of the cycle.

“Every year we are blown away by the generosity and goodwill of the community in Mayo. Businesses turn their premises pink, volunteers shake buckets and everyone comes together to make this wonderful event happen.

'For the cyclists, who will be joined at the cycle by the legendary Sean Kelly, it is a challenging and rewarding event, and it has become known as Ireland's friendliest cycle.

“That's why we have such a large volume of returning participants each year.”

Everybody at The Connaught Telegraph, media partners of the Mayo Pink Ribbon Cycle, wish the organisers and participants every success tomorrow.