Sports fundraiser on behalf of hospice

David Cartmill of West Down Wheelers teamed up with Robbie Marsh from Newry Triathlon Club.

David cycled from Bessbrook to Omeath, while at the same time Robbie swam from Warrenpoint across Carlingford Lough to Omeath. When at Omeath they teamed up with Mark Shilliday from West Down Wheelers for the long 80 mile night ride south to Dublin.

David explained that the night ride on the old Dublin Road, although, there wasn’t much traffic, was “still a challenge with potholes”.

To add a twist to the challenge, David began his 75 mile race back home to Bessbrook to complete his 160 mile cycle, while Robbie ran the 26.2 mile Dublin marathon.

David said: “Southern Area Hospice Services provide invaluable support and care to people suffering from cancer and other terminal illnesses living within the Southern Health Board area. SAHS’s aim is to provide the best quality of life for patients and their families. All services are provided free of charge and SAHS rely heavily on voluntary donations to continue providing special care.”

If you would like to show your support for David’s efforts you can donate via Just Giving.

David said: “Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. The team has a target of £3,000 - your donation can really help us smash it http://www.justgiving.com/Davy-Cartmill

David would like to thanks Simon, Neil, Mark, Alistair, Darren, Dan and Jack for the hours they gave up during the training runs, and to the Bike Shak for sorting out the lighting and nutritional needs.

He said: “Also a word of sincere thanks to those who have already generously donated to this very worthy cause.”