Pedal power to generate charity funds

Carrickfergus Cycle Club is hoping to raise over £1000 as members put their efforts into biking the equivalent of the 2800 mile route from Northern Ireland to Lapland.

The group plans to cover the distance over a period of four weeks using road bikes, stationary bikes, spin bikes and turbo trainers.

Data will be collected using digital tracking service Strava with the mileage covered by the fundraisers published every week to illustrate their progress.

The cycling club has supported the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust for several years. This time, it will also be raising funds for another local charity, AA Veterans Support, which helps, advises and offers guidance to those who serve or have served in the British Armed Forces and their families throughout Northern Ireland.

The cycling charity drive is the first for organisers, Stephen and Lynda Mullan, whose other physical feats for the Lapland Trust have included walking the distance from Northern Ireland to Scotland.

Speaking about the campaign, which kicked off at the beginning of June, Stephen said: “ We have supported the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust for a number of years with great success and this year, we also decided to support another charity to spread the funds and make more of an impact in NI.

“NI Children to Lapland Trust and AAVS are both local charities that make a real difference to people’s lives.

“This will be a challenge for all of us but one that comes with a very rewarding result.

“Already, in a matter of days, we have been delighted by our donors’ generosity and we look forward to completing this and making a difference.”

Donations can be made via the group’s Justgiving page at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/carrickcyclingclub