Annual Laurels Santa Cycle fundraiser for brain injuries

THE Laurels Cycle crew are set to hold their annual ‘Santa Cycle’ fundraising event in aid of acquired brain injury services and support charity, Headway, reports Aimee Walsh.

The annual cycle event will take place on Sunday, December 5 at the Laurels pub in Clondalkin and will see cyclists dressed up as Santa Claus take on the 20km route going through Corkagh Park, Grange Castle, Fonthill, the Village and then returning to the Laurels pub.

The Santa Cycle has raised over €1 million for local charities through the annual cycle, which sees hundreds of cyclists cycle across Dublin to raise money for various charities. This will be the seventh year of the fundraising event, with a virtual cycle taking place last year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The virtual event of 2020 was the first year where the cycle was being held in aid of Headway, which has a personal connection for one member of the Laurels Cycle Crew, Derek Cummins, who suffered an acquired brain injury after a stroke seven years ago.

The Laurels Cycle crew are to stage their annual 20km Santa Cycle from the Laurels pub Photo by Codie Ryan

“This year we said we would do a local route, because we don’t know how things are going to be with Covid,” said Derek.

“The local Gardai in Clondalkin are going to give us that extra bit of support as well on the day to make sure everything is going the way it should be.”

Derek added: “Everything will be outdoors on the day – we have a band as well who will play a bit of music and it will be a great day for everyone.”

People aged 18 and over are encouraged to participate.

Registration can be done through Eventbrite.ie and will cost €35, which includes a Santa suit, lights and batteries, mince pies and a drink on return.