Northern Ireland Cyclist Raises Cash for Charities

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A Northern Ireland man has raised almost £35,000 through sponsored cycles for a number of cancer charities over the past three years. Tom Bell, who has been cycling for 30 years, has raised money for the Ulster Cancer Foundation, Irish Cancer and Marie Keating.

And in his most recent venture, he cycled from Land’s End to John O’ Grotes from May 6 to 16, covering an impressive average of around 93 miles per day. All of his fundraising has been done door-to-door and he presented a cheque for £3,352 to Co-operation Ireland.

He told me: “It was not an easy bike ride; the last two days were very difficult as I was cycling into a 40mph headwind and heavy rain, but my thoughts kept me going hoping that some people would benefit from my cycling and the sponsorship many people had given.”

Tom, a member of East Tyrone Cycling Club, has also expressed his overwhelming appreciation for the support he received during his fundraising attempts.

“I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me over the years and for the wonderful response I got from this bike ride – without them, there would be no money.

“Maybe one day we will find a cure for cancer and these charities will not need so much money,” he added.

Tom also took part in the Co-operation Ireland two-day event, which involves 100 cyclists and starts off in Dundalk at various times throughout the first day.

In September he participated in the 400-mile Tour of the Kingdom cycle which takes place in Killarney. His determination to aid this worthy cause is apparent, and his contributions have been greatly welcomed and appreciated by the charities he has supported.