Munster star rows in to support Enable Ireland Wheel 100 Challenge
Enable Ireland recently launched a new fundraising campaign and is asking people all over Ireland this June to take on the Wheel 100 Challenge. The challenge encourages participants to wheel 100 times in their own way and raise vital funds for the charity. First to put their hands up was Enable Ireland Ambassador, 22-year-old Munster Rugby Player Fineen Wycherley. Hailing from Bantry, Co Cork, this talented 6 foot 4 inch rugby player has set himself the task of rowing 100km to raise much needed funds to support children and adults with disabilities.
Speaking about his involvement with Enable Ireland Fineen said: “I was delighted to be invited to be an Enable Ireland ambassador as I admire the work they do. I’m familiar with the concepts of physiotherapy and psychology in sport and I see how important those services are for children and adults who have extra challenges in their lives.”
When asked about the challenge he added: “I really wanted to champion the new Enable Ireland Wheel 100 campaign but I don’t have a bike. I thought about using my brother’s roller blades but then it dawned on me that there are wheels on the rowing machine and I’ve been told that counts! I’ve to thank my neighbour and former coach Frank Conroy for loaning me the machine. Frank is Peter O’Mahony’s uncle and we wheeled the machine over for training. It’s great to be able to focus on a challenge that can be done within our local area and is inclusive for all. I’m delighted to be able to row in with my support.”
Like many charities, Enable Ireland has been significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Enable Ireland CEO John O’Sullivan: “With fundraising events cancelled and our 21 charity shops closed for almost 3 months, we are facing a loss of €1.5million in funding. Now more than ever, we need the public’s support to continue to provide our vital services to 8,500 children and adults across Ireland.”
The charity is encouraging families, sports enthusiasts, cycle clubs and anyone with a set of wheels to take part in this digital fundraising challenge. A virtual ‘Wheel 100 Champions Wall’ for those who raise the most funds will be added to the Enable Ireland website www.enableireland.ie/wheel100.
ENABLE IRELAND AND NORTH TIPP SERVICES
Enable Ireland is a national charity which employs 1,200 staff and provides disability services to over 8,500 children and adult with disabilities in Ireland. In North Tipperary, Enable Ireland provides specialist therapeutic assessment and intervention to children with complex disabilities and/or developmental delay in partnership with the HSE. They also provide family support and respite services to over 500 children with disabilities in the mid-west. They have a purpose built children's respite facility, Teach Saoirse, which provides services to 40 children with a range of disabilities and a day service for adults in Nenagh.
HOW TO TAKE PART
If you would like to take on the Wheel 100 challenge and help raise vital funds for Enable Ireland, phone Trudy McQuaid on 087 6868333 or email wheel100@enableireland.ie to sign up. Please note the photographer John Allen and Fineen Wycherley adhered to social distancing for the purposes of the photos accompanying this release.