The Tour de Picnic cycle ,which has raised some €500,000 for charity, was launched this morning in Dublin.
The event, which attracts some 1,000 cyclists every year who cycle from Tallaght to the site of the Electric Picnic, will be in aid of two new charities.
The money for this year's cycle will go this year towards the Children’s Sunshine Home and LauraLynn House which both care for children with life limiting conditions. Previously the cycle has raised €550,000 for Temple Street’s Children’s Hospital neurosurgery unit.
Among those who have agreed to participate in this year’s cycle are Today FM’s Ray D’Arcy and the Republic of Telly’s Jennifer Maguire who will both do the 80 kilometre cycle.
To date they have raised a whopping €550,000 for Temple St’s Children Hospital’s neurosurgery unit.
For the Children’s Sunshine Home, Tour de Picnic plans to construct & fit out a Family Room & Therapy Area . For families whose children are staying with them. This will include massage, music, play & aromatherapy treatments for families & also children at a cost of €55,000).
Also Tour de Picnic hope to upgrade & refurbish the children’s multi-sensory garden. This would greatly enhance the quality of the children’s lives and stimulate the senses of sight, touch, smell and emotion in a gentle and relaxing manner at a cost of €25,000.
Some 800 cyclists have already signed to up raise the €500 to participate in the cycle and it is sponsored by Vodafone Ireland.
Jane McKenna, mother of Laura and Lynn who the hospice is name after said, “What a thrill it is for LauraLynn House to have been selected as one of the charities for this year’s Tour de Picnic. It’s been quite a journey making LauraLynn House a reality and we’re very grateful for all the support we have received along the way. A big thank you must go out to all the brave picnickers who are preparing to join the cycle in support of some of Ireland’s sickest children, it’s wonderful to see such generosity. ”
