Newtownabbey men to take on gruelling Mourne cycle challenge for rescue service

Newtownabbey residents Lee Edwards, Bradley Russell and Leonard Bell will be joined by Ben Hamilton and Roy Albertson from north Down to cycle across seven of the mountains in the Mournes to raise money for the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.

The keen mountain bikers have hiked in the Co Down mountain range a number of times and decided to attempt to cycle across seven of the peaks for a worthy cause.

The friends decided that any money raised should go to the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.

Speaking to the Times, Lee said: “We believe the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team are a worthy cause, as they save countless lives every year and we wish to bring more attention to them and provide them extra funds to allow them to continue doing the hard work that they do.

”We will be taking on Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh, Slieve Bearnagh, Meelmore, Slieve Meelbeg, Slieve Binnian and Slieve Lamagan.

“We believe we are the first group to take on these seven peaks on mountain bike. We plan to do the challenge over June 5 and June 6, although this could change if there is a lockdown or stormy weather is forecast.

“We will be camping out overnight during the event. We have commenced training now and have been taking on the Cave Hill with our bikes.

“We have set a fundraising target of £500 and appreciate anything that can be donated. Charities have suffered during the pandemic and we want to support the Mourne Rescue Team as much as possible.”

To keep up to date with the charity effort, check out the ‘7 Mourne cycle challenge’ Facebook page.

An online fundraising page has been set up to collect money. If you would like to make a donation, go to https://gofund.me/8a3c1c6d

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