Cyclists urged to get on their bikes and help Fight for Alfie!

Following on from the success of its inaugural sportive last year, Armagh Down Cycling Club is looking forward to this year's Gullion Tour 2017, happening this Sunday 30 April. This year they will be raising money for local charity Fight for Alfie.

Five-year-old Alfie Pentony from Newry was recently diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystophy (DMD). This progressive disease will sadly attack little Alfie's muscles and they will gradually get weaker and weaker with the possibility that Alfie may only live until he is 20 years old. 

This means Alfie's parents, Coleen and Jamie, have around 15 years to try and find a cure or at least slow the disease until a cure is found. They have teamed up with Armagh Down CC ahead of the Gullion Tour to raise funds for research into the disease and all riders will be asked to make a minimum donation of £15/€15.

Setting off from Newry this Sunday 30 April, the Gullion Tour offers cyclists from all over the island of Ireland the chance to take on one of two fantastic routes riding through the Ring of Gullion, an area of outstanding natural beauty. 

Commenting on The Gullion Tour, Armagh Down CC Chairman, Benny Smyth said: “After last year's success, this year's event is already shaping up to be bigger and better. We are expecting a strong turnout and we welcome cyclists from all over Ireland to join us and enjoy what the Ring of Gullion has to offer. 

"Crucially, we very much hope to raise much-needed funds for our chosen charity, Fight for Alfie. Unlike most five-year-olds, little Alfie Pentony is facing a huge challenge in his life, so we want to support him and his family fight this cruel disease."

Coleen Pentony added: "Our goal is to raise awareness of DMD and also raise vital funds to help research which is needed to save Alfie’s life. We don't want pity for Alfie’s disease. What we are asking of each and every one local rider is to please take part in the event, and help us fight this cruel disease and hopefully find a cure for our little boy and all other children affected by this." 

A fully marshalled event, the Gullion Tour promises to be a fantastic day for riders of all abilities and there will be much-needed food and refreshments at the finish in Newry Sports Centre. For the 100km route there will be an additional food stop at Jonesborough Pastoral Centre. 

Registration is open from 8.30am at Newry Sports Centre with riders departing at 9.30am. Minimum donation is £15/€15. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/armaghdowncc