In the saddle for Soft Border Cycle

A group of cycling enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland are getting set to take on a cycle challenge which will take them along the entire length of the border around Northern Ireland all to raise funds for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

The Soft Border Cycle was the idea of Dr Seamus McAleer, oncologist at the Cancer Centre, who saw unique fundraising opportunity brought by Brexit. The cycle sets off on 12th August where the team will cover a total of 440km before crossing the finish line on 16th August. While many of the group are seasoned cyclists with several long distance endurance challenges to their name, others have just taken up cycling this year and this will be the first cycling event that they have taken part in.

Dr Seamus McAleer is leading the charge and having already organised and taken part in several cycles in aid of Friends of the Cancer Centre over the last 16 years and raising nearly £200,000 along the way, he knows what’s in store for the group. Looking ahead to the new challenge he said:

“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the saddle, getting on the road and raising money for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

“As fun and exciting as the cycle will be, we can’t lose sight of why we are doing this. As an Oncologist I am grateful that Friends of the Cancer Centre has helped fund precious staff and equipment for our service and patients, including massive support for clinical trials, which bring novel and better treatment options to our patients. Our cyclists include patients and staff, who really value the role of the charity and knowing how much the cycle will benefit the charity’s work will certainly give us the drive and motivation to cross that finish line.”

Donations to the Soft Border Cycle can be made via Just Giving here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/seamusmcaleer