A DAY OF SPINNING FOR RNLI
MORE THAN 200 people got their New Year off to an energetic start when they took part in Synergy Fitness’s 24-Hour Spin-a-thon in aid of Wexford RNLI.
This is the second year of the event. Linda Busher of Synergy explained that they provided an hour-long spinning class every hour so that those taking part got a great workout. Some people, she said, did six-, seven-, eight- and nine-hour stints on the bike – while one man cycled for 12 hours straight!
Linda expects that somewhere between €3,000 and €3,500 was raised from the event but, as of yet, does not have a definite figure as some sponsorship cards have not been returned yet. She added that her father had been involved with Rosslare RNLI for over 30 years and when the event was being planned last year, they decided that the RNLI were worthy beneficiaries.
Lorraine Galvin, PRO of Wexford RNLI, pointed out that they received no government funding and were dependent on fundraisers and donations. She said that a lifeboat station like the one in Wexford cost about €100,000 per year and that included running the boat, training crew, and providing crew kit. Happily, the branch has welcomed four new crew members this year.
Lorraine added that the Spin-a-thon was well supported by local groups such as Wexford Triathlon Club and by businesses including Scurri. Wexford lifeboat member David Maguire also got on his bike but he did so in all of his lifeboat gear, which certainly made it a more challenging endeavour.
Lorraine added: ‘We welcome all of these events and fundraisers and want to thank Synergy for their spirit and dedication to running the Spin-a-thon. It was a great way to kick off the year.’