Cyclists to pedal 500km to Paris in aid of hospice

MORE than 100 cyclists left Dublin yesterday for a 500km bike ride to Paris to raise vital funds for the hospice movement.

The cyclists, who will travel an average 100km a day in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), are due to arrive in the French capital on Thursday.

Eugene Murray, of the IHF, said the cycle was not a challenge for the faint-hearted.

“The cyclists will receive all the support they need to ensure they have a fulfilling and fun experience,” said Mr Murray.

“The IHF is very grateful for their fundraising efforts, which will be used to support our extensive development programme which includes extending palliative care to people with illnesses other than cancer; developing a Children’s Hospice Home Care Service and putting hospice principles into hospital practice.”

Each cyclist had to raise at least €3,500 to take part in the event, organised by the IHF and Irish Cycling Safaris, a family-run company that provides cycling tours in Ireland and Europe.

The fundraisers will travel through the Normandy countryside, visit Bayeaux, Lisieux, Bernay and Evreux, and tour the Palace of Versailles before entering Paris.

Keen cyclist and Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan said the group can embark on this trip in the knowledge that their efforts will be of great help.