10th anniversary Cycle for Care: Join Paul & Evelyn Kimmage in Spain this June!

€2 million the target as Paul Kimmage & Evelyn tackle special Cycle Challenge in aid of Irish Hospice Foundation  

Tuesday 15 January 2019

Sports journalist and former professional cyclist Paul Kimmage is calling on cycling enthusiasts nationwide to join him and his daughter Evelyn on the 10^th anniversary Cycle for Care in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) this June.

The duo will lead the way across the stunning landscapes of the Costa Verde in Spain from 23-29 June. They will be pedalling for the IHF’s Nurses for Night Care service, which provides care to people in their own homes at the end of life right around the country and the Foundation’s Bereavement Support programme.

Speaking at today’s photo call, the Sunday Independent journalist said: “This will be my fifth Cycle Challenge in aid of the Nurses for Night Care service. On all my journeys with the IHF, I have heard many poignant and touching stories from my fellow cyclists about these inspirational nurses and the care they provide at the end of life. Nurses for Night Care allow people to spend their final days at home with their families. The gift of a peaceful and comfortable final chapter for our loved ones is one we all would love to give. In supporting the IHF Cycle Challenge by taking part or through raising funds, we help to make this possible for more and more families.”

“I am delighted my daughter Evelyn will be able to join me once again this year. We are encouraging cyclists of all abilities to join us on this stunning route through northern Spain. It’s a hugely rewarding experience,” said Paul.

The Kingspan-sponsored cycle has raised €1.85m for the IHF since it started in 2009 and the target in 2019 is to surpass the €2million euro mark. Over 4,000 families have been cared for by the Nurses for Night Care service with over 11,000 nights of care delivered since it was established.

IHF CEO Sharon Foley said: “Over the past ten years, this fantastic event has made a real difference to adults, children and families all over Ireland facing dying, death and bereavement.  Thanks to the incredible fundraising by all of our cyclists over the years, people with diseases like dementia, motor neurone disease, advanced respiratory disease, heart failure and end stage kidney disease are able to receive expert care and support at night in their own homes in their final days. Please join us on our 10^th anniversary Cycle as we continue to strive to extend this support to more people and families nationwide.”

Team Kingspan have participated in all of the IHF Cycles over the years: “We are very proud to support this event and to help the IHF make a real difference to so many people and families all over Ireland. We have no doubt it’s going to be another huge success and hopefully we can pass the two million euro mark raised.”

This is a fantastic way to challenge yourself and see the stunning northern coastal region of Spain. Starting in Santallina del Mar, the route will take in beautiful coastal towns, beaches and the dramatic scenery of the Picos de Europe. Our final destination is the historical city of Santiago de Compostela. You will be supported throughout your journey by the IHF team.  Flights, accommodation and full board are included and full details can be found at http://www.hospicefoundation.ie/cycle or by calling 01 6793188. Registration closes Friday 16 March.

The Irish Hospice Foundation is the only national charity dedicated to dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. 80 people die every day in Ireland and the IHF believes everyone has the right to be cared for and to die with dignity and respect in their care setting of choice. Its mission is to strive for the best end-of-life care for all. The IHF campaigns to make excellence in hospice practices, bereavement and end-of-life care a national priority and to stimulate the conversation about dying and bereavement in Ireland. The IHF receives core funding from Pobal from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government’s Scheme to Support National Organisations 2016-2019