Charity invites local people to ‘Lap the Lough’

Lap The Lough involves cycling one full lap of Lough Neagh. It kicks off at Maghery Country Park in Co. Armagh and makes its way anticlockwise around Lough Neagh through Portadown, Kinnego, Gawleys Gate, Glenavy and stopping at Shane’s Castle in Antrim for lunch. After lunch the route takes in Randalstown, Toome and Ballyronan before making its way back to Maghery. The route spans 81 miles in total and marshalls will patrol the main junctions to help riders to cross safely.

Joe Barr, former professional cyclist, whose family was supported by NICFC when his son was diagnosed with cancer aged two, is encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

He said “Taking part is an excellent way of challenging your fitness while exploring the beautiful Lough Neagh and raising money for a very worthwhile local cause. I’ve done the cycle myself in the past and it’s very manageable even for someone who’s not an elite or club cyclist.

“Organisers can provide you with a training plan and useful advice.”

He continued: “NICFC does so many different things to help families with a sick child. There are all sorts of little problems that no one knows or thinks about until they’re in that position. When your child is ill you have to keep them in a constant warm temperature and one parent will very often have to stay at home to look after the sick child.

“We also had to travel many miles to the hospital every day. The financial implications of all of this can be enormous, but NICFC offers a number of grants to help with the costs.

“They also have a holiday home in Newcastle- Shimna Valley. It’s a home from home where the whole family can be together, and the staff do everything for you. We went down there the first day and it was probably the most life-changing experience I’ve felt.”

If you would like more information on taking part in Lap the Lough for NICFC, please contact Natasha Walsh on 028 90805599 or email [email protected]