Pooling resources for aquatic spinathon cycle

THE organisers of a charity spinathon event in the Ashdown Park Hotel have thanked the people who contributed to making it a great success.

The 24-hour pool-bike spinathon was organised by Orla Kenny along with Joe and Catriona Dixon to raise money for the mental health support organisation Cycle Against Suicide.

Speaking to this newspaper about the event Ms Kenny said that while all of the money raised has yet to be totted up it looks like the final sum will exceed the €5,000 mark.

‘It was a great success and it was the second year running it,’ she said.

‘Last year we held it in the Amber Springs Hotel and this year it was in the Ashdown Park,’ she added.

The initiative saw the participants taking to pool bikes which are stationary bicycles that are submerged in a swimming pool so the cyclists are pedalling against the water pressure.

‘We had 250 people taking park and we got a lot of local support which was great,’ said Ms Kenny.

Local businesses and organisations had teams participating as did An Post and members of the local Fire Service also got involved on the day.

‘It was a great fun atmosphere throughout which made it all the more enjoyable,’ said Ms Kenny who, along with Joe and Catriona Dixon, remained on-site for the entire 24 hours.

‘The money raised will go towards a new initiative being implemented by Cycle Against Suicide called Head Strong which is aimed at showing school children how to be resilient during challenging times,’ she said.

In addition to raising money the spinathon was also about spreading a positive message about mental health and to encourage people to talk to someone if they are feeling down.

‘Mental health issues have affected a lot of families in Ireland and there is still a stigma attached to talking about it but it should just be treated the same as any other illness,’ said Ms Kenny.

‘As Cycle Against Suicide itself says “it’s ok to not feel ok”,’ she added.

She thanked everyone who gave their support to the spinathon and said it will be an annual event.

Local Cycle Against Suicide ambassador Joe Dixon, Christopher King, Des Willoughby, Robbie Willoughby and club manager Leesa Hickling. Alex Hajnal with his mother Danielle. Orla Kenny and Emma Miley.

The 24-hour poolbike spinathon in support of Cycle Against Suicide at the Ashdown Park Hotel.