On Saturday morning (1st August) Lámh Dhearg and VC Glendale will once again come together to partake in a Charity Sportive Cycle to raise money for Ciarla’s first steps.
The two sporting clubs previously worked together back in June with Charity Spinathons in the Park Centre and Kennedy Centre, and also at Hannahstown when VC Glendale and their younger cycling group- ‘The Imps’ took part in a sponsored cycle around the Highway to Health along with Lámh Dhearg FUNdamentals and underage teams to raise money that will enable Ciarla Herron to receive valuable private healthcare.
VC Glendale Chairman Frank Campbell spoke warmly of the positive relationship that Glendale and Lámh Dhearg possess- going back many years and paid tribute to Glendale and Lámh Dhearg member Ciara Doherty for her part in helping to set up the fundraising events.
“We used to run a mountain bike race called the hidden lakes classic, which was based out of Lámh Dhearg and went into the bottom of the pitches and in by the fields. Then we were involved in a number of charity rides with them for different things” Frank recalls.
“Ciara Doherty – who has quite a connection with the cycling club is also involved in Lámh Dhearg. She asked us if we would get involved and try and help with some fundraising. We have helped with a couple of Spinathons in the Park Centre and the Kennedy Centre.
“Then we thought we would round it out with a charity ride. We do one every year for children’s cancer and it’s normally quite successful in February. We thought we would try and add another extra one at this time of the year when the weather is a bit better and see if we could drum up a bit of interest and help with the fundraising”.
“In the lead up to this we had a children’s morning where they did some rides round the pitches and the grounds up there where we took our youth group along. We have a youth group called the Imps and they are all under age newcomers to cycling.
“We took them and did a bit of a charity cycle up there. Lámh Dhearg got involved and had their young footballers and hurlers out riding their bikes and then had a Coffee morning which helped raise a bit of money.
“The connection has been really good, and it’s sort of an ongoing thing- you couldn’t put your finger on why- but the two clubs have just got together and been able to work together really easily and gelled.
Saturday’s event will have a two routes, one of 50km and another of 70km and Frank is hopeful of a big turnout on the day.
“We have two routes. It’s hard to get a feel for the numbers that will turn up, because a lot of people can turn up in the morning and we found that with our previous charity ride. We had as many as 250 turn up at the children’s cancer ride in February in the rain.
“We’re hoping if we get a bit of decent weather we can get around 100+ turning up. We normally get quite a bit of donations from people who don’t even ride but turn up to help out on the day”.
Lámh Dhearg chairman Brian Smyth also spoke of the pleasure of helping the Herron family in the fundraising efforts for Ciarla and hopes the cycle on Saturday will be an enjoyable occasion for all involved,
“Gaa clubs are always characterised by the presence of many families and our club is no different” Brian explained .
“The Herron family are synonymous with our club. Ciarla is daughter of dual player, Juvenile mentor and club physio Conor , granddaughter of club stalwart and former chairman Barney and her siblings Cuisle and Cathain.Therefore when we were approached to help fund raise for Ciarla it was a pleasure to support a family so deeply involved and active in our club”
“With some of our members involved in VC Glendale cycle club we collaborated with them to help fund raise . The Spinathons at the Park Centre and Kennedy Centre were a success,
It was also very encouraging to see such a big turnout from our juvenile teams and Glendale Imps donating to Ciarla’s Next Steps, cycling around our highway to health. Furthermore all
the cyclists and families attended and supported the coffee morning.
“Excitement is building for the cycle sportive on Saturday 1st August setting out from the club and returning to Hannahstown. I’m confident of a good turnout and the event will boost funds for Ciarla enhancing the profile of the charity . I would like to wish all the cyclists all the best and a safe cycle . More importantly I hope the family can achieve their target and gain access for Ciarla to the essential therapies and specialist equipment which will help her build strength, gain independence, and she can enjoy her childhood to the fullest”.
There is still time to register for Saturday’s event at https://eventmaster.ie/event/bEDAs9AHjr
Donations to Ciarla’s next steps can be made by following the link to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ciarlasnextsteps
If you need any further information or are willing to volunteer please contact Barney Herron 07756 713111 or Ciara Doherty 07967 214636.
