This article is from page 33 of the 2007-09-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 33 JPG
ALMOST 50 cyclists spent Saturday pushing pedals on a 80km jaunt to raise money for a good cause.
The wheelie fans were cycling to raise money to head for an even longer trek in September in aid of the East Clare Chernobyl Cycle project.
The ride, organised by ‘Tom O’Keeefe and Billy Fitzpatrick, started on Saturday from Coonagh and took the riders to Killaloe.
On September 23 the riders are off the Belarus where they will cycle
400km over two days from Minsk to Malech to raise money for work on the orphanages which the project is helping in Malech, Antopol and Griileka acorn
“We’re using the money to modern- ise these orphanages and make life better for the 600 children who live in them. A lot of these children are sick or have special needs and some of the buildings and conditions they are living in are appalling,’ said Pad- dy O’Connor, project PRO.
Among the projects underway are a new kitchens, proper toilets and
showers, new teaching facilities and modern plumbing.
The latest project which the group are raising money for is in the An- topol orphanage where a new, mod- ern laundry room is being built and equipped.
“The laundrette in that orphanage is just horrible – it has to be seen to be believed,’ said Paddy.
The cycle has been going to Bela- rus for several years now and each year, the support grows.
This year’s group is the biggest to travel so far.
‘Whether it’s taking part in the cy- cle or raising funds for the projects, we have had fabulous support from the people of east Clare. They have been more than generous in the past and we’re hoping they will support us again,’ said Paddy.