Charity cycle in memory of little Conor

A charity cycle will take place from Derry to Donegal tomorrow in memory of a little boy who died several years ago. Conor McKinney-McCallion passed away at the age of three as a result of a rare condition called Niemann Pick. During his illness, Conor and his family received great support from the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. Following his death, his family and friends organised a Tour of the Lough charity cycle to raise funds for the hospice. The 50-mile cycle, which goes from Derry to Greencastle and back, has become an annual event and will set off again this year from St Columb’s Park House at 9.00am tomorrow. Event organiser Junior Morrison urged people to come along and take part. “This is a family friendly event that has been running successfully for 3 years; it now attracts over 100 cyclists and receives great support from the local Foyle Cycling Club,” he said. “When we were personally touched by Connor’s battle, the amazing care by the Children’s Hospice nursing team and the heartbreak suffered by his parents, Stephen and Patrice, it really did put everything into prospective. “In the past few years our focus has been on supporting the Children’s Hospice, which was so much part of Conor’s short life. “This event also gives us the chance to highlight the fantastic care given by Children’s Hospice Specialist care teams to many local children and young people in the Derry/Londonderry area who along with their families face huge challenges with great courage and bravery. “I would like to thank everyone who put so much work into making this event possible, especially my colleague Noel Barr from the Foyle Cycling Club, Helen Henderson, manager of St. Columb’s Park House, and Fr Canny, such a constant source of strength to Connor’s parents, Stephen and Patrice. “I hope the weather is kind for us and that everyone enjoys a great day out. The event is open to all and registration begins at 8.30am.” For further information and registration for the Connor-McKinney/McCallion Fundraising Cycle, call Stephen on 07756 482 621, Junior on 07985 40 11 92 or Noel on 07730 064 924. Registration is £20 per cyclist.