Laois friends do 500km cycle for night nurses

TWO Laois friends are nearing the end of an epic charity cycle this weekend in aid of night nurses with the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

Joe Bland from Ballyroan and Mark Young from The Heath are on the fourth and final day of a gruelling 500km cycle, which has already raised €3,000 before they reach the finish line.

The pair set off from Ballyroan on Friday and will return to the village today, having cycled an average of 125km each day on a tour of the south east that took in Enniscorthy, Courtown, Dungarvan, Youghal and Clonmel. They will cycle through Kilkenny today before returning to Ballyroan.

Mark decided to set up the fundraiser after sadly losing his dad to cancer last February. He was determined to give back to the ICS Night Nursing Services unit, whose support during his father’s illness he described as “absolutely amazing”.

After launching the GoFundMe appeal titled ‘500km cycle for Night Nurses Ireland’, Mark and Joe trained steadily for the challenge and did longer trips that included a cycle from Ennis, Co Clare, where Mark works a personal trainer, to The Heath almost 150km away.

The ICS night nurses provide nighttime care for patients and their families in their own home, providing extra support during what can be a very difficult and anxious time.

Donations can still be made on the GoFundMe page, where Mark said: ‘Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. Thank you for making a difference.’