Diocesan News
Fourth year of increasingly popular Tour de Foyle 10:80
The Tour de Foyle event is being planned by the North West Methodist Mission and the Churches Trust and is supported by the four Church leaders in Derry–Londonderry. Now in its fourth year, it has attracted participation from far and wide and organisers are hoping this year’s event will be even bigger and better than before. A newly–designed, branded medal is on offer this year for all participants registering and completing the event.
All proceeds from the event go to support the welfare projects delivered by both charities to the most vulnerable people in our community.
Speaking ahead of this year’s Tour de Foyle, Bishop Donal McKeown encouraged people to support the event saying: “Be there – this a great community event and one more way for the people of this area to celebrate both their identity and their concern for others! See you there, please God.”
Rev. Peter Murray from North West Methodist Mission added: “It is a great fun day out bringing the whole community together and helping those in greatest need. I will be taking part and hope to see as many as possible join us on Saturday.”
10K ‘Walk with us’ Charity Walk
Church leaders will lead this element of the event and invite everyone to join them in what will be a leisurely and scenic walk. Participants will begin at Foyle Arena, make their way through St Columb’s Park towards the riverfront, along the peace bridge and the waterfront and into Bay Park (where there will be a water station) up onto and along the Foyle Bridge, along the Greenway and back into St Columb’s Park, and finishing back at Foyle Arena where some well–earned and delicious refreshments will be served.
The Tour de Foyle event is being planned by the North West Methodist Mission and the Churches Trust and is supported by the four Church leaders in Derry–Londonderry.
Given the interest in this element of the event last year organisers have decided to offer it this year again. It will take the same route as the walk described above. Why not use it as a last training run for the half marathon?
80K Charity Cycle
Cyclists will undertake a scenic lap of Lough Foyle. Leaving the Foyle Arena, participants will cycle to Magilligan and after a brief ‘pit stop’ will then board the ferry across to Greencastle. The route will then proceed back to the City crossing the Peace Bridge into St Columb’s Park and finishing back at the Foyle Arena. We welcome back previous participants and hope that visitors to the city will take the opportunity to experience this area of outstanding natural beauty on two wheels.
The Tour de Foyle 10:80 is all about taking part. It is a fun event and not a race. It is open to everyone, from the novice, to the expert, in walking, running or cycling. Its aim is simply to bring people together from all the communities across our city and beyond, to raise much needed funding for the homeless and others in need right here in the City.
By taking part, you will be helping people in your own community who are experiencing difficult times in their lives and are working with the help of our charities to get things back on track. So please help us continue to help put people’s lives back on track by getting on your bike or putting on your walking/running shoes on Saturday 26th August 2016 and taking part in one of our events.
Registration opens soon so check out the website at www.tourdefoyle.co.uk or the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tourdefoyle
For those unable to participate, they can still show their support and make a donation by visiting https://mydonate.bt.com/events/tourdefoyle1080donations
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org