Couple set to pedal around NI for charity

Couple set to pedal around NI for charity

16 April 2025

A KILLYLEAGH couple are tackling a gruelling 480-mile cycling challenge across Northern Ireland to raise vital funds for pancreatic cancer.

Laura Patterson and her husband, Neil, will join a 10-strong team to take part in Pedal the Periphery – a major fundraising event organised by Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer (NIPANC). 

The challenge will see more than 20 teams from across Northern Ireland cycle the full perimeter of the country in just 48 hours this June.

The cause is particularly close to Laura and Neil. Their team 

name – The Beaumont Roykets – is a heartfelt tribute to Roy McLaughlin, the late husband of Susan McLaughlin, a close colleague at Beaumont Care Homes, where Laura is manager.

Susan lost her first husband, Colin Cooke, to pancreatic cancer – a loss that led her to become a founding member of NIPANC, which is dedicated to improving early detection and raising awareness of the disease.

Roy, who sadly passed away late last year, stood proudly by her side through all her work with the charity and was equally devoted to the charity’s mission.

Laura explained that the team are taking on the challenge “for Roy, for Susan, for Colin and for everyone affected by this cruel disease”.

“We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of pancreatic cancer, and that’s what’s driving us,” she said.

“Northern Ireland has one of the worst five-year survival rates in the world, so it’s critical that we raise both awareness and funds to help change that.”

Pancreatic cancer receives five times less funding than many other common cancers, and is often diagnosed far too late for treatment to be effective. Three out of five patients could have had life-saving surgery if their cancer had been detected earlier. 

“Pedal The Periphery is about more than just fundraising – it’s about shining a light on a disease that’s severely underfunded in Northern Ireland, raising awareness and helping people recognise the symptoms before it’s too late,” Laura said.

“There’s a good few of us from Co Down on the team, and we’re proud our region features so prominently along the route. We’re not professional cyclists — we’re carers, 

nurses, managers and admin staff – but we’re giving it everything we’ve got.”

Each member of the Beaumont Roykets team will cycle up to 48 miles, collectively covering the full 480-mile route. With a timeline of 48 hours, they’ll have to cycle around the clock and through the night to complete the challenge. 

To support the Beaumont Roykets visit https://nipanc.enthuse.com/pf/the-beaumont-roykets.