Duleek triathlon team’s helping hand to the homeless
The Duleek based 'Helping Hands Helping Communities' group is currently undertaking a Team Triathlon in aid of the homeless and local charities.
Spokesperson Thomas Lynch says they into the fourth week of the event which began in Portugal on 2nd September with volunteers completing a 102km Camino walk.
"Since then our volunteers have been out participating in three categories, walk, run and cycle in very challenging weather conditions.
"Our aim is to beat last year’s record of just over 3,500kms which we are on target to do as we have accumulated just over 2,900kms with three weeks to go so we are putting a huge effort in and are confident we can set a new record and target for next year.
"However this is not about accumulating kilometers alone but trying to raise as much funds as possible to purchase tents, sleeping bags and vital supplies for the homeless along with being able to donate to local charities.
"Last year we were in a position to donate to Duleek Cardiac First Responders, Duleek Meals On Wheels, Duleek Senior Citizen’s, Drogheda Women’s & Children’s Refuge, Children’s Ward in Drogheda Hospital along with a number of local nursing homes and voluntary homeless organisations and hopefully we can do the same again this year.
"As our event comes to a close we are holding a 47km leisure cycle on Saturday 19th October starting at Dolly’s Bar on the Slane/Drogheda Road at 1.30pm sharp. All are welcome to participate and registration is not required as donation buckets will be present so even if people don’t want to cycle come along and make a donation for a great cause.
"We will have two bikes set up on trainers so you can hop up cycle a bit for a bit of fun and you will have done your bit as well. After the cycle there will be refreshments in the pub and there will be music later by the wonderful Dawn."
The group would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Tarstone, Blue Star Gem, Blacktop Road Makers, John Shiels Coach Hire, Chubb Vehicle Recovery, Beo Coffee Shop Duleek, Murray & Son Coach Hire, Clinton Flowers, Paul Kavanagh Test Centre, Anthony Cudden Car Repairs, Haven Pharmacy Duleek, Cloghertown Sand & Gravel, Dolly’s Bar, Anthony Walsh Painting, Whearty Building Contractors, Quinn Construction & Maintenance and Blacklion Stores Balrath.
"Without their continuing support we could not help the most vulnerable in society."
Thomas concluded that he would also like to thank all the volunteers who are participating in this year’s Team Triathlon. "These people are the real heroes who always step up to the plate when asked."