Councillors to take part in festive charity cycle race

Councillors to take part in festive charity cycle race

30 November 2016

ROWALLANE councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews will be able to call on some spiritual support next weekend during their latest fundraising adventure to raise money for homeless people in the area this Christmas.

The intrepid duo are planning to cycle from Killyleagh into Crossgar on December 10 before heading for Downpatrick and then back to Killyleagh to raise money for Mulholland After Care Services, a voluntary, charitable organisation based in Northern Ireland.

The pair will be joined by the Rector of St John’s Parish Church in Killyleagh, the Rev Colin Darling, who is no stranger to cycling and he will be keeping a close eye on the duo as they complete their journey.

The Rowallane councillors say they are pleased to be raising money for Mulholland After Care Services, or MACS as it is more commonly known. The organisation provides a range of services, including housing, mentoring and floating support projects for vulnerable young people. 

To date, the pair have collected an impressive £1,700 and hope they will be able to reach their target of £2,000 after all the money is collected when they complete their latest fundraiser. The politicians are also planning to make a donation to the Crossgar-based Down District First Responders Group.

Over the past number of years the politicians, who have been close friends for many years, despite coming from opposite sides of the political divide, have raised thousands of pounds for charity and good causes. 

They have gone toe-to-toe in the boxing ring and taken part in a rowing race on Strangford Lough, an eating challenge and a golf tournament. In the spring, they are taking part in a baking competition to raise funds for the Killyleagh Youth -In project and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust which helps families bring home loved ones who have died oversea.

For now, their focus is on next Saturday morning at 10am when they will saddle up for what is arguably their toughest challenge yet and one which will push their physical and mental capabilities to the limit.

“I was hoping for some divine intervention ahead of the event, but I suppose I will have to make do with some spiritual support from the Rev Darling instead”, joked councillor Walker. “He is no stranger to cycling and is a familiar sight on his two wheels about the town. I suspect when Terry and I are helped off our bikes at the end of the event we will be walking like John Wayne for a few days.

“With a member of the clergy on board, Terry and I will have to be on our best behaviour and resist any temptation to take any short cuts. It is going to be tough and we would love it if people came along on the day to join us.”

Councillor Walker said he and his Rowallane sparring partner want to raise as much as they can to help the homeless to help bring a little festive cheer this Christmas.

“Christmas is a time for giving and Terry and I have chosen to support MACS because of the invaluable role it plays in the community,” he explained. “Christmas is a time for families and we want to bring some hope to people who sadly find themselves homeless. Terry and I are both very conscious of the excellent work MACS carries out and are eager to support it.”

While the two heavyweight councillors have yet to decide what bike they are going to ride next Saturday, they have admitted they are looking for ones which have a sturdy frames, strong tyres, plenty of gears and, on yes, comfortable saddles.

“We hope people will be inspired by the message of Christmas and join us next weekend,” said councillor Andrews. “Given the challenge that awaits Billy and I, it will be great to have people alongside, cheering us on. It is is going to be challenging to say the least and my priority will most certainly be a soft saddle.”

He added: “It is many years since Billy and I were last on a bike and it is going to be a rude awakening when we set off. Let’s hope it is going to be dry and we can reach our fundraising target to help homeless people this Christmas.

“If by going through the pain barrier next Saturday we can bring a little festive cheer to others then it will be well worth it. Billy and I both want to close the finishing line first, but the real winners will be the groups we are supporting.”