London-Paris Cycle Run Boosts Hospice

A Belfast man, Christopher Coyle has really 'got on his bike' for charity by cycling all the way from London to Paris in support of the Northern Ireland Hospice, writes Carla Liébana.

Taking just three days, the hardy bike rider (pictured) - who is a loyal supporter of the popular charity that cares for life-limited local people - said that he decided that he wanted to do it and simply announced it to his friends and family.

He considered his experience as being "hard work but more than rewarding as it was for such a great cause".

His challenge has raised around £1,250 for the Hospice - with Caroline Greer, Fundraiser for NI Hospice, expressing her gratitude for a "brilliant result".

"Challenge Events are an exciting way to fundraise for Northern Ireland Hospice and I would encourage those in the community who are seeking a challenge to do something amazing for Hospice in 2010," she added.

NI Hospice care is 24-hour, every day of the year - the Hospice team even work over the festive period.

More than 3,000 people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions are cared every year there and it also offers support to the families and carers.

However, to allow the vital services to continue, it has to raise over £5 million annually and initiatives like that of Christopher Coyle are vital to the organization and, consequently, to all the patients.

(CL/BMcC)