Jimmy Carigan, formerly from Belcoo who is organising the Gina Carrigan, Forget Me Not sponsored cycle, in aid of Cancer Focus and Marie Curie Cancer care. Also in the photograph is Gareth McElduff from Cancer Focus gkfh41
CYCLISTS of all ages and abilities are being urged to get on their bikes for the annual Gina Carrigan Forget Me Not 50 and 100 Mile Cycle on Sunday May 25 2014 – and raise money for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The Gina Carrigan Forget Me Not Fund was set up by husband Jimmy from Belcoo in 2007, following her death from cancer the year previous. Since its inception Jimmy has helped raise almost £56,000 for charity. He explained why he set up the fund.
“It was set up for two reasons; Firstly just to remember Gina’s and keep her name alive and secondly to raise money for two charities.
“Cancer Focus provide care, but also fund major research while Marie Curie were involved in Gina’s care before she died.”
What started with some charity walks and climbs up Mount Errigal, Donegal and Carrauntoohil in Kerry has developed into the annual cycle.
“It goes through four counties; Tyrone, Fermanagh Leitrim and Cavan. It goes from Kiltyclogher to Enniskillen to Belcoo and then the Garrison Road it crosses over to the Rainbow Ballroom, Glenfarne where we stop for tea then we go through Blacklion then Florencecourt, Lisnaskea, Tempo, Fintona and then we finish up back in Omagh.”
To date Jimmy has helped raise £35,741 for Cancer Focus and around £20,000 for Marie Curie and this year he is hoping to raise more vital funds the two charities.
His training has already begun.
“I did 27 miles this morning and would average 100 -150 miles per week.
“The route is nice though, it is really flat and very scenic especially around Lough MacNean, it really is beautiful and crossing Carrybridge is also very scenic.”
The one day cycling event is fully marshalled and recovery vehicles will accompany the cyclists as back-up in case of emergencies.
For anyone who would like to take part in the event but doesn’t think they can stretch to 50 or 100 miles on a bike, then there’s a five mile walk on the same day, starting and finishing in Killyclogher.
The entry fee is £10 for the walk and £30 for the cycle, which includes food and entertainment in The Village Inn, Enniskillen later that night. Registration for the event will take place on Friday 21st March 2014 at 8pm downstairs in The Village Inn.
Those who raise a minimum sponsorship of £100 will receive a free cycling jersey to wear on the day of the event.
Jimmy added: “Gina was a very special person to her family and friends. I can’t express how deeply touched we are that so many people take part in this event every year, both in her memory and to raise much-needed money for two wonderful charities, Cancer Focus and Marie Curie Cancer Care.”
For more information on the cycle/walk, please contact Jimmy on 07879414385 or visit the Gina Carrigan Forget Me Not Facebook page.
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