Local councillors get on their bikes for charity
Local politicians joined members of St. John's Ambulance to launch the cycleathon which takes place later this month.
THEY'VE BRAVED the elements sleeping out in sub zero temperatures for local charity, and now some of the Drogheda Borough Councillors are taking to the saddle for a marathon cycle to raise funds for a new ambulance.
Drogheda Mayor Kevin Callan, Deputy Mayor Richie Culhane, Councillor Paul Bell, Councillor Frank Maher, TD Ged Nash, Members of St John Ambulance and Drogheda Wheelers will all take turns cycling in the Cyclethon on Saturday February 18th from 9am to 6pm on West Street Drogheda to raise money for a muchneeded new vehicle for The St John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland Drogheda Division.
'Our old ambulance is 12 years old and in dire need of an upgrade,' says Colin Maher, Officer in Charge at the voluntary service.
'We have two ambulances - the 00 reg is very old and has seen better days, and the 03 came from Dublin Fire Brigade, for which we were very grateful, but we receive no HSE funding and a new vehicle costs and arm and a leg.'
The event will also be supported by members of the local Drogheda Wheelers Club, and sponsorship cards are available for anyone who wishes to take part.
There will also be a bucket collection on the day., and councillors and cyclists and will take turns throughout the day to put their pedal to the metal.
'It is vital that we have the proper equipment to carry out our work, and we are hoping that people will give generously to raise these funds,' adds Colin.
'We didn't get the National Lottery grant we we applied for last year, and we provide a very vital voluntary service to the town.'
Cards and more information are available from the headquarters at St Peter's Chuch of Ireland hall on Wednesday nights, or you can donate via Paypal on the website www.stjohndrogheda.
