Local cyclists go the '˜extra mile' for Action Cancer Big Bus

Action Cancer’s Big Bus is a valuable mobile health resource for men and women throughout Northern Ireland, and every year it ‘clocks up’ an incredible 33,500 miles bringing its lifesaving services to 225 locations.

On board the charity provides 5,000 digital breast screenings and 4,000 M.O.T. health checks annually in workplaces, schools and local community organisations.

Did you know the Big Bus has visited Antrim 17 times in the last year providing breast screening and health advice to around 748 people in the local area?

As a local Northern Ireland charity, Action Cancer doesn’t receive a penny from government and relies entirely on public support to help raise funds.

Arlene Creighton, Events Officer, said: “Whether you are an experienced cyclist or novice - Action Cancer needs your support. Our Big Bus travels on average 3,000 miles per month. Your challenge is to ‘go the extra mile’ and help raise vital funds for Action Cancer’s prevention, detection and support services.

“Join our Action Hero Cycling Challenge supported by Chain Reaction Cycles today and pledge to raise £1 for every mile you cycle. And together we will ‘clock up’ the miles for Action Cancer’s Big Bus in the weeks and months to come.

“How about adding 10-15 miles to your weekly cycling club run? Maybe you know someone who could help organise a charity cycle? Action Cancer’s Events Team are here to help and we will support you all the way with sponsor forms, balloons, collection cans, banners etc.

“Get involved now and sign up for Lap the Lough or the Causeway Coast Sportive for Action Cancer. Or ‘go the extra mile’ and take on the exhilarating Malin Head to Mizen challenge.

“Anything is possible! We have a local nursery school organising a ‘playground peddle’, a fitness club challenging staff versus members to a ‘sponsored spin’ and another supporter who is preparing to cycle a 1,000 miles around Ireland’s coast in 10 days – just incredible.”

Neil McGuigan, from Chain Reaction Cycles, added: “We are thrilled to support Action Cancer and encourage all cyclist to ‘go the extra mile’ to help raise money for their life saving services.”

Everyone taking part will receive an Action Hero t-shirt and certificate of recognition, and your miles travelled will be added to Action Cancer’s cycling challenge totaliser as part of the Big Bus birthday celebrations.

All monies raised will fund Action Cancer’s services in Northern Ireland including breast screening, Big Bus mobile unit, M.O.T. health checks, as well as complementary therapy and counselling support services.

For more information or to sign up contact Arlene on 028 9080 3379, visit www.actioncancer.org or email [email protected].