Marathon Mayo cyclists present €91,500 to Mayo Roscommon Hospice
There was more good news this week following the recent opening of the long awaited Mayo-Roscommon Hospice with the handover of a cheque for €91,500 raised by a group of Dublin-based Mayo diaspora and friends who undertook a marathon fundraising cycle challenge from Dublin to Castlebar in aid of the charity last July.
The West End Tour in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and sponsored by Uniphar plc, took place on Saturday, July 3, when a group of 30 cyclists left Chapelizod in West Dublin on the epic one day cross-country challenge.
Just under 12 hours later, after battling torrential weather for the final 90 kilometres, the intrepid group arrived in Castlebar, having completed the gruelling 240 km journey.
The organisers set an initial fundraising target of €80,000, but such was the huge level of support shown for the tour and the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice, they succeeded in surpassing this by a further €11,500.
Tour founder, Ger Prendergast, who is from Belcarra, said they were overwhelmed with how friends and supporters rowed in behind the event.
He said: “It’s been the fulfilment of a lifetime ambition to cycle from Dublin to Mayo in one day but doubly rewarding to be able to generate such a significant donation for Mayo Roscommon Hospice in the process.
"We were thrilled at being able to complete the cycle as a group and for everyone to have made it safe and sound to Castlebar and to be in such good shape even after a very wet and tough spell from Williamstown to Balla.
"We very much appreciate the assistance by our tour sponsors Uniphar plc without whom none of this would have been possible.”
The fundraising amount raised by the cyclists of just over €45,000 was generously matched by Uniphar plc and its CEO, and proud Castlebar man, Ger Rabbette said they were thrilled to support such a worthwhile and memorable event.
He said: “Uniphar was delighted to support the West End Tour and in doing so contribute to the amazing work of Mayo-Roscommon Hospice.
"The challenging cycle we undertook from Dublin to Castlebar pales in comparison to the marathon journey undertaken by the Mayo-Roscommon team and CEO Martina Jennings and the commitment they have shown over so many years that got them to this recent historic milestone.
"The delivery of two wonderful facilities and the roll out of community-based palliative services across both counties will provide support and solace to individuals and families at the most vulnerable time of their lives.
"We are really very happy to play our part in helping the Hospice with the critical work they do and which helps so many.”
CEO of Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation, Martina Jennings, said she was blown away by the contribution.
“We are blessed indeed to receive such a significant donation thanks to the amazing achievements of all those who took part in the West End Tour.
"It was a huge undertaking for those involved and we are truly honoured to be the beneficiaries of their wonderful efforts.
"The money raised will help us hugely in the delivery of our services and I want to sincerely thank Ger Rabbette and Ger Prendergast for this most generous contribution which I am accepting with deep gratitude on behalf of the entire team at Mayo Roscommon Hospice and all those who will benefit from our service.”