Belturbet man urges people to support charity cycle

A Belturbet native is encouraging Cavan cyclists to put their best pedal forward in support of a UK charity organising a five day fundraising cycle through southern India.

Dr Ciarán Fitzpatrick serves as a volunteer Director at Heal Charity, which runs two orphanages in and will be running two exciting fundraising events in Andhra Pradesh in 2023.

The first challenge set out by Heal is a six-day cycle trip through Kerala, finishing at Heal Paradise, an orphanage, school and skill development centre.

This is the eighth cycling fundraiser Heal has organised.

Established in 1992, for nearly three decades Heal has fostered health and education among some of the region's most impoverished.

For their part, participants will be asked to raise a minimum of £1500 to support Heal’s continued work. A maximum of £900 to cover all event costs for the cycle, or a charge of £2700 for the combined cycle/trek, is anticipated.

Some experience – or love – of cycling is required, as it involves covering a distance of close to 250 miles.

At the end of the cycle ride, participants can choose a four-day stay at Heal Paradise to meet the children and learn more about charity, and/or set off on the organised hiking trek in the surrounding rainforests.

All accommodation, travel within India, cycles and food are provided, and the travelling group will be limited to just 30 people.

All participants will need to show that they have taken all recommended actions to prevent infection, eg. vaccines and testing.

If interested, you will be asked to donate £250 to Heal to secure your place by 1 September 2022. For more information visit www.healcharity.org and/or email ciaran.fitzpatrick16@gmail.com.