We’re doing a charity cycle to bring a little festive cheer to the homeless

We’re doing a charity cycle to bring a little festive cheer to the homeless

26 October 2016

INTREPID councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews are getting on their bikes in their latest fundraising adventure to raise money for homeless people in the area this Christmas.

The duo have participated in a number of fundraising ventures over recent years including a boxing challenge, a rowing race on Strangford Lough, an eating challenge and golf tournament. Now they are going head-to-head in a cycle race.

The December 10 event will be followed by a bake-off competition in the spring 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 overseas. 

Big in stature and big in heart, the Rowallane politicians will be cycling from Killyleagh into Crossgar in the December fundraiser 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. 

MACS, as it is more commonly known, provides a range of services, including housing, mentoring and floating support projects for vulnerable young people who have experienced care and had contact with health and social services organisations.

The local councillors have supported a number of local charities and hope to bring some Christmas cheer to homeless people this December by raising enough money to ensure they can have a festive meal.

“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,” explained councillor Walker.

“People across the district will be enjoying their Christmas dinner with their family and friends and Terry and I want to help bring a little bit of festive cheer to those who sadly find themselves homeless. We are both very conscious of the excellent work MACS 

carries out and are eager to support it.”

Councillor Walker joked that he will be looking for a bicycle with a sturdy frame and plenty of air in the tyres and revealed a comfortable saddle will be a bonus for the latest charity challenge.

“Everyone who knows Terry and I will know we are not cyclists and it is a fair few years since we have been on a bike. The last time we were I think we were both in short trousers,” he laughed.

While the Rowallane politicians will be going head-to-head on December 10, they have issued an invitation to any local cyclists or local people who want to join them to come along on the day. Sponsorship forms will be available shortly from either of them.

“We hope to raise as much as we can and given that I am ahead of Terry following the challenges we have already taken part in, I aim to stay out in front. Terry will get a good view of me on 

December 10 as I will always be in front,” added councillor Walker.

Councillor Andrews said he is delighted to be able to support the work of MACS and hopes the December fundraiser will be as successful as previous challenges the Rowallane politicians have taken part in.

“Billy and I will be able to enjoy Christmas with family and friends, but we realise this is not something everyone can do. That is why we have decided to do something to help homeless people,” he explained.

“A new volunteer group was recently launched in Crossgar, called the Down District First Response Team, which is raising money to buy a defibrillator. If our fundraiser in December goes well, we may be able to donate some money to help its members,” he said.

Like his colleague, councillor Andrews admitted it is many years since he was on a bicycle and while hoping for good weather on the day, he plans to cross the finishing line first.

He joked: “Forget all that nonsense that it’s not about winning but taking part; I want to win this challenge and aim to do just that. I am behind in the head-to-heads but aim to put that right. Of course the real winners will be MACS and we hope to raise as much money as we can.

“Billy and I would be delighted if there are others who wish to join us and we will be confirming starts times and the exact route in the very near future.”