Laois cyclists raise €37,000 for Down Syndrome charity

Four employees in a Laois firm have reached the end line of a 543 Spanish cycle, raising an incredible sum for the Down Syndrome Centre Midlands charity.

For what is the fourth year of Powerpoint Engineering's charity cycle, four staff along with several colleagues in support, cycled 543KM from Santander to Santiago over four days of the August Bank Holiday weekend.

David Phelan, Johan Erasmus, Conor McGarry and Gavin Deering set out on Thursday, August 22 from Santander and reached their destination, the Santiago de Compostela on Sunday, August 25.

They were raising much needed funds for Down Syndrome family supports, in their online Gofundme.com page.

They managed to raise a staggering €37,000 and counting for the Down Syndrome Centre Midlands based in Bellingham Portlaoise.

The team hold their bikes aloft in victory at Santiago de Compostela.

Gavin Deering, new to the team this year, described the event.

"So we did it. What an amazing week it has been on our Cycle for Down Syndrome Centre adventure...i have to say this was one of the best experiences of my life..To have cycled 543km from Santander to Santiago in 4 days is an experience in itself but to have been able to do it while raising over 30k for Down Syndrome Centre Midlands in the process makes it all worthwhile.

"The messages and videos of support we received from everyone every day made it a very emotional experience and I am very honoured to have been apart of this great cause..not only that but it was very much a team effort and to have done it with such a special group of people made it an absolutely incredible experience. Thanks to everyone who has donated, and please remember there is still time to donate. Every donation counts," he said.

The Centre in Portlaoise hosted a reception for them on Thursday, August 29 where they presented Aisling Dooley, Chairperson with a cheque for the monies raised, which at the time was €35,000. 

Donations are still being accepted on the gofundme account page.

Aisling thanked the team and the company for their huge support.

"Their support over the last three years has ensured the Centre's existence.

"Powerpoint have raised over €100,000 in that time and this money has allowed the Centre to offer supports such as speech therapy, life skills training and social outings to children and adult with Down syndrome in the Midlands area.

"We have no words to describe how grateful and awed by their efforts we are,’ said Aisling.