Clonaslee High Nellies cycle 134km to Shannon for BUMBLEance
A 'Big Wave' Before they head off
CLONASLEE High Nelly club, a group for bicycle enthusiasts and community fundraising, went the distance for children's national ambulance service BUMBLEance on Saturday 11 April.
Following months of planning, the group successfully cycled a total of 134km for the fundraiser.
The High Nellies boarded a bus at 6am and, following a brief warm-up, set off from Edenderry to reach the finish line at Shannon Harbour.
Enthusiastic cyclists took to the canalway in their yellow shirts, some on 100-year-old vintage bikes that had been serviced and readied for the journey.
The group contended with rain and hail showers before arriving at their destination, where they met family, friends and loved ones who welcomed them back with tea and hot whiskeys.
A reception was later held for the High Nellies on their return home in Clonaslee Heritage Centre, followed by drinks in Hickey's.
Clonaslee High Nelly club committee members Catherine Dunne, Des Dunne and Darren Kennedy said that this fundraising effort has been a major labour of love for the club.
“We have been totally committed to raising as much awareness and funds for BUMBLEance as possible since we selected them as our charity partner for this year. There is no greater cause than supporting children and their families during the most difficult times,” they said.
The committee members added: "We are so proud of each and every cyclist who pushed themselves to the limit. People of all ages joined this endeavour and put their shoulders to the wheel.
“We are so grateful to all those who undertook a great deal of work behind the scenes to make this dream a reality. Our volunteers, supporters in the locality and far beyond, Hickey's pub for their ongoing support and sponsorship of the club, those who arranged transport, prepared bikes and refreshments during our many training cycles, those involved in the homecoming in Clonaslee.
“We want to thank Fr O'Reilly who did a blessing for us the evening before the cycle. Club members were delighted to attend Sunday mass in their BUMBLEance shirts.
“We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the businesses across the midlands who so generously donated to this fundraiser, all those who sponsored our cyclists and the many who donated in a multitude of ways."
BUMBLEance is Ireland’s only dedicated children’s ambulance service. Dedicated drivers operate a fleet stationed across the country, offering personal, local support to each family free-of-charge.
Each BUMBLEance vehicle offers sensory lighting, child-friendly decor, entertainment and space for parents and siblings.
The final amount raised is still being tallied and will be revealed soon.
