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The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is celebrating 35 years as Ireland’s largest one-day charity fundraising event. Taking place on Saturday, July 7, registration for the charity cycle will open on March 10 and the event is expected to see 10,000 recreational cyclists take part, with a small number of locals readying their High Nelly vintage bikes for the cycle again this year.

Cyclists signing up to complete the scenic 175 km fun cycle will be raising money for 14 carefully selected main beneficiary charities this year and choosing one to fundraise for. 30 additional charities associated with the event are also allocated funds from the registration proceeds. Funds raised to date have contributed towards new hospital extensions, special needs facilities, care for the elderly, suicide prevention, sea and mountain rescue, cancer, kidney, end of life support and more.

The main beneficiary charities chosen this year has expanded from 10 to 14 to include national charities such as Pieta House, the Irish Kidney Association and Enable Ireland, all of whom do compelling work for communities across Munster and Ireland.

The 2018 Main Beneficiary Charities can be categorised into disability support services, cancer and family support services and community as follows:

Disability Support Services

• Buy a Bus Campaign - Kerry Parent & Friends Association
• Down Syndrome Ireland
• Enable Ireland
• Irish Kidney Association
• St Mary of the Angels (intellectual disability residential care)

Cancer & Family Support Services

• Breakthrough Cancer Research
• Bru Columbanus (family accommodation for seriously ill)
• Kerry Hospice Foundation

Community Care

• Baile Mhuire
• Caherciveen Social Services
• Irish Community Rapid Response
• KDYS (helping young people reach their potential by equipping them to become stronger and more resilient with skills which last a lifetime)
• Pieta House
• St Joseph’s Home, Killorglin

“With 35 years of experience behind us, our goal for 2018 is to help people make the most of their achievements by creating a fun and inclusive event and giving them more choice in charities to support,” said Tony Daly, Chairman of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. “Our main beneficiary charities have expanded this year from 10 to 14 and include national and local charities who do great work in the communities but need our help to continue. We are looking forward to welcoming all 14 charities, our many cyclists and invaluable volunteers in July to celebrate 35 years of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.”

The registration fee for 2018 is €100 plus a 3.5% service fee. Cyclists can choose to fundraise for their selected charity through an online fundraising page with Everyday Hero or sponsorship cards. Cyclists can pre-order their official Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle jerseys at registration.

“There are many great projects and initiatives which will benefit from funds raised and if you choose to fundraise, every euro will go directly to your chosen charity,” added Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. “Registrations will take place on a first come, first served basis and we are encouraging all participants to keep an eye on our social channels for regular updates including preparation tips and how your fundraising efforts are positively affecting the charities involved.”

Registration for this years event on the opens at 8am tomorrow (Saturday) on the cycle website. When registering, cyclists will have a opportunity to select a charity to cycle for by clicking the appropriate button. Having done so one can then opt to request a sponsorship card or alternatively make online donation through EveryDayHero.

The process is straightforward, much like booking a concert/airline ticket. So make sure to get in and register.

For more information see:

Website - www.ringofkerrycycle.ie

Facebook - @RingofKerryCharityCycle

Instagram - @RingofKerryCycle

Twitter - @RingOKerryCycle