Clogherhead man Aaron Walsh and his friend Thomas Sullivan are set to undertake a gruelling 100km cycle on Saturday, 17th April to raise funds for MACE Ireland’s official charity partner, Down Syndrome Ireland.
The cycle, which is being supported by Aaron’s father Niall who runs the local MACE shop in Clogherhead, will be in accordance with the Government guidelines regarding Covid-19 restrictions at the time of the cycle. That might result in a 5km repetitive loop from Walsh’s MACE Clogherhead or a wider circuit.
Naturally enough, Niall Walsh is very proud of his son’s initiative, “Aaron and his friend Thomas are delighted to be able to do this to support Down Syndrome Ireland” he said.
“Like everyone else in the country, they were looking for something to fill their time and energies and once they landed on this initiative there was no turning back!
“They have been training for the cycle and enthusiastically fundraising for the last number of weeks. We are very proud of them and are delighted that they chose to support MACE’s official charity partner, Down Syndrome Ireland,” he added.
Since adopting Down Syndrome Ireland as their official charity partner in 2017, MACE Retailers have engaged in a number of fundraising initiatives for the worthy charity and have raised nearly €200,000.
This year, for the first time ever, MACE renewed the partnership for a further two years with all funds raised going to support a new online education course for every adult aged 29+ with Down Syndrome in Ireland.
‘Ability Online’ will provide support to adults aged 29+ with Down syndrome who are struggling with isolation and job loss as a result of Covid-19. The course, which will run every 10 weeks, can be delivered remotely and combines online tasks and group Zoom discussions.
MACE Sales Director Daniel O’Connell said: “For more than a year now, MACE retailers have seen first-hand just how important our contribution is to the communities we serve and above all, in helping those most vulnerable.
“We are extremely proud of Aaron, Thomas and all at Walsh’s MACE in Clogherhead for undertaking this challenge to raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. Their efforts will help provide meaningful opportunities to adults with Down syndrome to engage, socialise and look for employment opportunities.”
Aaron and Thomas will set off on their cycle from Walsh’s MACE Clogherhead on Saturday, April 17. If you’d like to make a donation you can do so on their official Facebook page.
