STACEY HEANEY
REPORTS

DROMARA man Mark Hale went to great lengths for charity last week when he cycled from Ireland's northern most point - Malin Head, Donegal - to its most most southern - Mizen Head, County Cork.

Mark was one of seven riders taking part in the event aiming to raise �3000 for the Alzheimer's Disease Society, the organisation Lupus UK and the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

These charities were chosen because each rider has family or friends affected by one or more of the illnesses.

Mark thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"I had really good fun," he said. "I'm a relatively keen cyclist so the cycling aspect was fairly routine."

"The worst part was being in the saddle for so long each day - but it was extremely good fun."

The cyclists, who are all in their 40's, were accompanied by family and friends who travelled with them to provide roadside assistance and set up base camps in hostels each evening.

Mark added: "We all have connections to the work of the charities - my father in law is suffering from Alzheimer's as we speak."

Despite the scale of the journey, Mark has certainly not been deterred from cycling the route again.

"I would do it again next year - I'm not sure if it'll be for charity, but as a personal challenge I would like to do it in, if not one day, then two days," he concluded.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the charity appeal can do so at the Bank of Ireland, account number 56445922, sort code 90-21-00.