Thousands of walkers have helped make Darkness into Light a national event while raising awareness about suicide but now a group of intrepid cyclists are hoping to do something similar on their bikes while assisting a charity working with people with an intellectual disability.
Dusk 'til Dawn is the brainchild of cyclist, Noel Doherty and on Friday night, he and his colleagues at Fitzgerald Solicitors in Cork will saddle up and ride through the night from Cork city to Crosshaven and back to raise money for Down Syndrome Ireland.
A keen cyclist, Noel, who takes part in numerous charity cycles throughout the year including Tour de Munster and the Ring of Kerry Cycle, explained that Dusk 'til Dawn is aimed at cyclists of varying ability as participants can chose how long they want to cycle for.
"The first group will leave the Clayton Hotel on Lapp's Quay at 11pm and they will cover the route three times while the second group will leave at 1.30am and they will do it twice and then the last group will leave at 4am and it will be dawn by the time they get to Crosshaven," he said.
The group will head first for Jacob's Island and on to Passage West, hugging the shores of Cork Harbour along a series of cycle paths before heading for Carrigaline and the cycle path that meanders along the side of the Owenabue Estuary and Drake's Pool all the way to Crosshaven.
“The benefits of taking part in Dusk ‘til Dawn are manifold - there is the joy and the buzz of cycling at night, the camaraderie with your fellow travellers as you come and go along the cycle paths by the river and meet for coffee on the boardwalk in the dead of night,” said Noel.
“As well as the sheer enjoyment that cycling brings there is also the satisfaction of knowing your involvement has helped raised money for a really good cause - Down Syndrome Ireland which does tremendous work, supporting people with Down Syndrome and their families.
Coordinator of Services for the Cork branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, Karen O'Sullivan said the charity were delighted that Noel and his colleagues at Fitzgerald Solicitors had chosen them as their nominated charity for what is becoming an increasingly popular fundraising event.
“Down Syndrome Ireland is 97 per cent funded by voluntary donations so charity events like Dusk ‘til Dawn are invaluable in helping us provide services to our members in Munster. We really appreciate the support of Noel, and all at FitzGerald Solicitors and the generosity of all the cyclists who take part.”
Cyclists wishing to take part in Dusk ‘til Dawn can register at 10.30pm on Friday, July 7th outside the Clayton Hotel on Lapps Quay and a charitable contribution of €25 per cyclist is requested. Cyclists must wear a helmet, and ensure their front and back lights are working.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/dusktildawncycle/
