Cycle gets helping push from pop heart-throbs
Westlife were joined by former Boyzone ace Keith Duffy to launch a charity bike ride in aid of a new centre for autistic children.
Ten members of Carlow’s St Andrews GAA Club are cycling 1,000 miles across Ireland. They will travel through all 32 counties during their fundraiser in June.
The event has been organised by Irish Autism Action, (IAA) of which Duffy is patron. His daughter Mia was diagnosed with the condition, which affects the ability to communicate, relate to people and learn.
IAA chairman Cormac Rennick said: “There is a waiting list of up to two years for the diagnosis and assessment of children with autism. This centre will mean we can bypass that and diagnose children more quickly and get them the help they need.”
The IAA has signed a lease on a building in Clontarf, Dublin, and hopes to have the centre up and running by the end of June.
Bosses are hoping the 11-day cycle ride will raise €200,000 for the centre.
Mr Rennick added: “It costs around €2,000 per full assessment so we are calling on all communities to give their full support to the cyclists.”
Anyone wishing to donate can ring (044) 31609.
