By Michelle Crean

School tours and social outings could hopefully be in the pipeline for school students but first they need the public's help to buy them a wheelchair accessible bus.

Named as beneficiaries of this year's Ring of Kerry '170k My Way', a virtual cycle instead of the usual physical cycle around the ring due to COVID, students and staff from St Francis Special School (SFSS) are appealing for funds to help their cause.

And even better, this year's change to a virtual event means that all the students in the school and their families now have an opportunity to participate in this annual event, with cycling due to begin on 'World Bicycle Day on Thursday, June 3.

"The students, staff and all those who support SFSS are delighted to be taking part in the 170k my way, which is a novel way to ensure that the Ring of Kerry takes place," principal Liam Twomey told the Killarney Advertiser.

The cycle is open for the entire month of June. That's four weeks to cycle, run, walk and even dance the Ring of Kerry!

"All our students at SFSS are excited and ready for this challenge. We are so delighted that this year's event is inclusive, it gives SFSS the opportunity to become part of the Ring of Kerry family! All the money that's raised through this organisation will go towards buying a wheelchair assessable bus for our school. Getting our students out into the community for social trips, school tours, is so important for the social development and education of our students."

Breda, a teacher for the Alder class, which caters for pupils who are wheelchair users with additional needs, added that "a bus would open up so many opportunities and experiences for the students by allowing them to experience the local environment and communities".

To help out go to www.idonate.ie: St. Francis Special School.