Family's charity cyclein memory of father

Back from left: Des Bonar, Michael McRoberts, Garry Carpenter, Nick Bonar, Paul Bonar, David McKelvey, Gareth Aughey, Marty Colvin and Ced Bonar. Front:Mark Grain, NI Hospice staff nurse Patricia McCabe, and Alan Blaney. INNT 49-451-CON

Brothers Paul and Nick Bonar, along with brother-in-law Marty Colvin and friends,took part in a 500-mile cycle in honour of Paul and Nick’s late father Ken.

Their two-wheeled journey took them from County Antrim through counties Down, Derry, Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Cavan and Monaghan.

Friends Gary McColskey, Alan Blaney, Garry Carpenter, Mark Grain, Michael McRoberts and David McKelvey and Ken’s two brothers Ced and Des Bonar were with the men every pedal of the journey.

With funds raised along the route and donations made by friends, family and local businesses, the team was able to donate just over £14,000 to the Northern Ireland Hospice, which opened a new adult hospice facility in Belfast in May.

Last year, the team cycled from Malin Head to Mizen Head in aid of the charity raising the sum of £17,000.

Ken Bonar passed away following a battle with cancer and was cared for by Northern Ireland Hospice and the idea of cycling to raise funds began when the Paul and Nick wanted to do something special to mark their father’s 20th anniversary in 2015.

Paul Bonar said: “The experience of cycling the length of Ireland last year was something special – so we decided to do it all again, marking Ken’s 21st anniversary this year with a cycle across the nine counties of Ulster.

“That again was an amazing experience and we got through it knowing that at the very heart of it was the fundraising effort for Northern Ireland Hospice.”

“The new hospice is a fantastic facility, and now that it is up and running, what it vitally important is that we all continue to support the amazing care afforded to people from here when they need it most.”

Claire Bradshaw, Head of Communications at Northern Ireland Hospice, said: “The members of Team M2M took on a great personal challenge and sacrifice to raise funds for our organisation. They marked the anniversary of a loved one with great dignity and pride and their efforts have ensured Northern Ireland Hospice can continue to provide the highest quality palliative care in our new hospice and in the community.”