Charities to benefit from100-mile cycle

The event will take place on Saturday, June 13, and the charities to benefit will be Breathe Easy Causeway, a subsidiary of the British Lung Foundation, and Meningitis Research.

The riders taking part are Charles Dickson, from Mill Cottage Drive, Stranocum; Liam McAfee, from Magherahoney, Armoy; and Mervyn Caskey, of Strand Crescent, Portstewart.

Each had a family member or close personal friend who battled either severe lung disease or meningitis.

Charles and Liam are members of Ballymoney Cycling Club.

Mervyn is not a trained cyclist but he told the Times this week he is determined to do his best for the three deserving charities.

“I am determined to put in some serious practice and do my bit for these very worthy health charities.”

The cycle marathon will start in Portrush and the journey will take the riders through Coleraine, Castlerock, Londonderry, Letterkenny, Ramelton, Milford, Carrigart and on to Downings in Donegal.

Breathe Easy Causeway Chairperson, Christine Archibald, said: “It is encouraging to know that there are people like these three cyclists who are prepared to take action and support deserving charities, rather than talk about what should be done or, worse still, ignore completely the needs of the many people who strive daily to improve their lifestyle despite their serious illnesses.

“Breathe Easy Causeway and Meningitis Research are thankful for their commitment and determination.”

Anyone who wishes to support the cyclists can contact them on mobiles: Charles Dickson, 07543842324; Liam McAfee, 07803834895; and Mervyn Caskey, 07712874313.

The cyclists wish to thank family and friends and all who have supported them in their fundraising efforts.