Three Charities Benefit from Boxing Day Charity Cycle.

The West Down Wheelers held a meeting this week at which they presented cheques to both the MacMillan Cancer Care and the St John's Ambulance Services, which they raised from the proceeds of the Boxing Day charity run. Club Treasurer David Cartmill welcomed the representatives from the organizations. The Club President Derek Gamble, committee members Paul McKinstry and Chris Hodgen presented a cheque to Kelly McClimond of Macmillan Cancer Care. Macmillan Cancer Care consists of hundreds of hardworking volunteers whose support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical, financial, emotional support and push for better cancer care.

Club President Derek Gamble and David Cartmill presented a cheque to Alison Ingram of St John's Ambulance. St John's Ambulance consists of thousands of volunteers across the country with a local group in most towns. These volunteers are well known for the number of hours they spend each year providing first aid cover and ensuring public events are safe. They also respond to all kinds of emergencies, from major emergencies, car accidents, weather incidents and fires.

The Charity representatives warmly thanked the West Down Wheelers for the presentation of both cheques and for their generosity.
David Cartmill then read out a letter of thanks from Stephen and Judith Gallagher, who expressed their thanks for the generous donation, made by the club, to Cody's Challenge Charity Cycle. The proceeds from this donation went to the charity "Heartbeat". Heartbeat is a Parent Support Group for families whose children have heart disorders. Heartbeat is the organization that provided care and support to Stephen and Judith's son Cody. These children are treated at Clark Clinic in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. This clinic is a small unit, staffed by a team of very dedicated doctors and nurses.

The Boxing Day charity ride held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care, St John's Ambulance and the Cody Challenge Charity Cycle saw 22 Wheelers depart from the Tesco's car park, Banbridge at 9.10am and headed up the Castlewellan road on what was a cold and frosty morning. Everyone was in good cheer and full of Turkey. The group of riders would have a 50 mile trip ahead of them as they made their way to Newcastle and back. Billy Maxwell the club President was spotted standing at Katesbridge checking that all was going to plan. The horseshoe bend had a light coating of frost but this didn't cause any concern to the potential kings of the hill. Newcastle was likened to a ghost town, empty. The homeward journey was at a much faster pace averaging 18 mph. The Members of the West Down Wheelers would like to thank all those who took part and supported the event.

Marian Lamb Club Development Officer