Politicians to get on their bikes to aim homeless unit

Politicians to get on their bikes to aim homeless unit

7 December 2016

ROWALLANE councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews take part in their latest fundraising adventure this Saturday.

The duo will be in the saddle to cycle from Killyleagh to Crossgar before making their way into Downpatrick and back to Killyleagh to raise money for homeless people in the area this Christmas.

The local politicians are raising money for Mulholland After Care Services, a voluntary, charitable organisation based in Northern Ireland, and the budding cyclists will be joined by the Rev. Colin Darling.

The Rector of St John’s Parish Church in Killyleagh is no stranger to cycling and will be keeping a close eye on the duo as they complete their journey to raise money for their chosen organisation.

MACS — as they are more commonly known — provide a range of services, including housing, mentoring and floating support projects for vulnerable young people. 

To date, the politicians have collected an impressive £1,700 and hope to reach their target of £2,000 after all the money is collected, with the duo intending to make a donation to the Crossgar-based Down District First Responders group.

Over the past number of years the politicians, who are close friends despite coming from opposite sides of the political divide, have raised thousands of pounds for charity and good causes. 

They have gone toe-to-toe in the boxing ring and taken part in a rowing race on Strangford Lough, an eating challenge and golf tournament. In the spring, they are taking part in a baking competition

to raise funds for the Killyleagh Youth -In project and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust which helps families bring home loved ones who have died overseas.

Billy and Terry are hoping local people will join their fundraising event this weekend which they admit will be their toughest challenge yet. The duo are hoping people will be inspired by the message of Christmas and join them this Saturday morning.

The cyclists are due to leave from the top of High Street outside Killyleagh Castle at 10am, with the local politicians hoping for support and a dry day. They say it would be great to have some local people alongside them, helping raise money for an excellent cause.