Cycling councillors donate thousands

Cycling councillors donate thousands

21 December 2016

CHEQUES totalling £1,849 have been handed over to two local groups following the recent charity cycle challenge when Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews went head-to-head in their latest fundraising venture.

The duo were due to cycle from Killyleagh to Crossgar before heading into Downpatrick and then back to Killyleagh, but only SDLP man Andrews crossed the finishing line after councillor Walker paid the price for his decision to go for the jugular from the start and had to out with cramp.

However, the councillors did mange to raise a terrific £2,300 with the bulk of the cash presented to to Mulholland After Care Services, a Northern Ireland charity which provides a range of services, including housing, mentoring and floating support projects for vulnerable young people. MACS, as it is more commonly known, has a base at English Street in Downpatrick.

MACS officials were presented with a cheque for £1,649 on Monday morning, with representatives from the Killyleagh Youth Drop-In project receiving £200. A cheque for £400 will be presented to the Crossgar-based Down District First Responders group early in the New Year.

MACS official, Andy Clare, said the organisation is delighted with the money the Rowallane councillors raised on its behalf and that it will be put to very good use.

“It is great to receive this money and we cannot thank Billy and Terry enough. We feel privileged they chose to support us and raise so much money on our behalf. The money we have received will go a long way,” he said. “This money will allow us to provide new opportunities for the people we cater for.”

Councillor Walker said it was an “honour and privilege” to help raise money for MACS given the excellent work it does on behalf of young adults who are homeless and vulnerable and hopes the money raised will help the organisation with its work with the homeless.

“I would like to thank the cycle challenge’s three main sponsors, Killyleagh Community Shop, AJ’s Diner and Savage Lock and Safe. Without the support of these particular businesses we would not have been able to reach our £2,000 target,” he added.

Councillor Andrews said MACS works quietly behind the scenes providing invaluable support, describing the organisation as a “haven” for those who need its help.

He added: “It was an absolute pleasure taking on Billy in the cycle challenge which I was delighted to win. We are both delighted we have been able to help MACS and maybe we will be able to do so again in the future. The charity work we do resonates with people with a number of groups approaching us for help.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and her Strangford counterpart Jim Shannon have praised the Rowallane councillors on their fundraising efforts which to date have seen them raise over £10,000.

Miss Ritchie said the councillors deserve great credit for the work they do, particularly in the run up to Christmas, supporting several local groups. The MP said MACS does invaluable work in the community and is pleased it has benefitted from Billy and Terry’s efforts on this occasion.

The MP added: “This is a time of year when many people need help and the work of MACs is to be highly commended. I am very impressed with MACS facility in Downpatrick and the work it does.”

Mr Shannon said the two councillors are an excellent example of friendship across the political divide being put to extremely good use, raising thousands of pounds for a number of organisations.

He added: “Billy and Terry are the epitome of service not self. The work they have done to support many organisations in the area is extremely commendable.”

In the spring, the Rowallane councillors are taking part in a baking competition to raise more funds for the Killyleagh Youth Drop-In project and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust which helps families bring home loved ones who have died overseas. In the summer, the duo plan to launch the Rowallane Open golf tournament which they hope can become a regular event, raising cash for local charities.