Kilkenny family-run organisation launches inaugural charity cycle

A local family and parent-led voluntary group, Down Syndrome Kilkenny, has launched its inaugural charity cycle to raise vital funds needed to provide local services across Kilkenny.

The cycling event, Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny, will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, starting and concluding at Danesfort GAA Club.

Registration will take place from 8 am and the first group of cyclists are expected to set off at 9am.

Down Syndrome Kilkenny calls for novice and experienced cyclists to sign up for the event. 

Tickets €45 are available from Eventbrite. 

There are three routes to choose from, taking cyclists on a picturesque tour of County Kilkenny.

Leisure cyclists can enjoy a relaxed 45km through the villages of Kells, Bennettsbridge, Gowran and Thomastown.

Those who prefer a challenge can opt for the 65km or 105km routes that bring participants on to Paulstown, Leighlinbridge and a return journey via Ballygorteen, returning to Danesfort GAA Club.

Two pit stops are planned at Gowran Park Racecourse and Paulstown GAA Club. Families can enjoy fun and activities throughout the day until 3pm.

Down Syndrome Kilkenny gives access to parents to much-needed therapy such as physiotherapy, speech and language, and occupational therapy. It organises swimming and dance classes plus midterm and summer camps.

Down Syndrome Kilkenny is a voluntary-run organisation. It receives no government grants and relies solely on donations and fundraising efforts to continue supporting families in Kilkenny.

Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kilkenny, Fiona Heffernan explained that 'Down Syndrome Kilkenny is a parent-led local branch of Down Syndrome Ireland'.

"We rely on local fundraising and donations to run our branch," she said.

"With donations and fundraising, we can provide access to therapies like speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy and alleviate some of the financial pressures for parents.

"Fundraising allows us to run regular activities for the children. Activities with trained personnel who work with the children at their own pace, which is not always possible in mainstream activities. Our current activities include one-on-one swim classes, Easter and summer camps and dance classes. Without fundraising, none of this would be possible.

"We can’t do it alone. We’re hoping that cyclists and their families will come along on April 28 to support our fundraiser and get involved with the fun activities on the day I would like to thank everyone involved in organising this event. We are humbled by the amount of people who are willing to give their time for the success of our cycling event."

Down Syndrome Kilkenny is one of 25 branches in the country under the Down Syndrome Ireland umbrella.

Entirely parent-run, it aims to raise money to support vital therapies, including educational services, social and skills development, and fostering a sense of community.

Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny is taking place on Sunday, April 28 from 8 am.

Those who wish to support the event or buy a ticket to tour the beautiful Kilkenny countryside by bicycle can register here via Eventbrite.