Several members of the Challenge Cycling Club based in Oranmore are preparing to take on the gruelling Donegal Atlantic Way Ultra Race in aid of Down Syndrome Galway.
The annual race takes place on 2 July this year and involves covering over 555 kilometres non-stop in 24 hours.
Challenge CC chairperson Eoin McGrath along with Sean Duignan and other club members will take part in the race after the club announced it will partner with Down Syndrome Galway as their charity for the rest of 2021.
Donations are now being accepted through the official idonate fundraising page.
Eoin McGrath said that in recent months they have been made aware of the impact COVID-19 has had on some local charities and the struggles they face as they re-emerge from lockdown.
“Down Syndrome Galway is a small organisation providing vital services for children and young adults with Down Syndrome,” said Mr McGrath.
“They have a centre in Claregalway and have been forced to close their doors during lockdown.
“Having recently visited the Claregalway base and met some of the children and parents, I can see first-hand the great work done.”
DONATE to the fundraiser for Down Syndrome Galway HERE!
Down Syndrome Galway provides information, support and friendship to people with Down syndrome and their families across Galway, working towards an improved quality of life for people with Down Syndrome.
The charity receives no state funding and relies solely on donations and fundraising events to keep its centres up and running.
The centres provide a range of vital services including occupational therapy, adult education courses, speech and language, mother and toddler groups, social groups for ages, and cinema nights.
The charity’s chairperson in Claregalway said: “To provide our vital services we rely solely on fundraising and all our normal events have not been able to go ahead.
“Our members have adapted and come up with new ideas and having a group like Challenge Cycling Club partner with us is fantastic.
“We are indebted to them and look forward to working with them.”
