Croí, the Heart and Stroke Charity, will host its ‘My Summer Cycle for Croí’, this August Bank Holiday weekend. It is a cycle with a difference as participants can chose the location and the route - their own way.
Croí supporters, Jim Crowley, heart specialist at Galway University Hospital, former Galway hurling star Ollie Canning, and cycling clubs across the country, are taking on the cycle to raise funds for those affected by heart disease and stroke. And with restrictions easing, Croi is asking cyclists to follow guidelines on social distancing, and cycle their favourite local route this August long weekend.
Prof Jim Crowley says the event is great to "get out on the bike, bring the family and cycle in support of your own heart health".
“I’ll be taking on ‘My Summer Cycle for Croí’ this August long weekend. It’s a great event to raise much-needed funds for Croí as it supports people living with heart disease and stroke, especially during these difficult times."
Registration is a €25 donation to Croí, and cyclists are encouraged to try to fundraise at least €1 for every kilometre cycled. All registrants receive a special Croí Summer Cycle neck snood.
Christine Flanagan, Croí’s director of fundraising, says all ages can take part in this year's summer cycle.
“Bring your family, friends or team mates together for Croí’s Summer Cycle - all ages and cycling abilities are welcome to take part and help us raise much-needed funds to support our work in fighting heart disease and stroke.”
Flanagan says Croí is facing an unprecedented challenge,
"People living with heart disease and stroke are most at risk if affected by Covid-19 and they need Croí’s support services more than ever. Funds raised will directly support the Croí Heartlink West programme, which is a free of charge support service for heart and stroke patients and their caregivers, providing direct access to the Croí specialist health team.
“Here at Croí, we rely on our own fundraising activities as we are not state-funded, and with the cancellation of so many of our events this year, we are appealing for support with this event.
Last year Croí celebrated 25 years of the its cycle, and while this year is going to be different, Croí is ask everyone to still cycle for Croí - "your location, your route, your way".
"So put on your favourite cycling jersey and head off on your favourite route for a summer cycle in aid of Croí this August long weekend," she says. " You can share pictures of your cycle online by tagging Croí @croiheartstroke."
Learn more about the cycle and register now at www.croi.ie/mysummercycle
Croí’s Summer Cycle is supported by Corrib Oil, Al Hayes Motors and Challenge Cycling Club.
