Cycle for Care 2020 with Paul Kimmage in aid of Irish Hospice Foundation

Sports journalist and former professional cyclist Paul Kimmage is calling on cycling enthusiasts from Limerick to join him and his daughter Evelyn on the 12th Cycle for Care 2020 in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) this June. Picture: Robbie Reynolds 

Cycle for Care 2020 with Paul Kimmage in aid of Irish Hospice Foundation  

Sports journalist and former professional cyclist Paul Kimmage is calling on cycling enthusiasts from Limerick to join him and his daughter Evelyn for Cycle for Care 2020 in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) this June. 

The duo will lead the way across the stunning landscapes of Northern Italy Sunday, June 28 until Saturday, July 4, for the twelfth Cycle for Care. They will be pedaling for the IHF’s Nurses for Night Care. This is a free national service for people with illnesses other than cancer, which enables them to fulfil their wish to die at home. The demand for the service grew by almost 20% in 2019.  

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Paul Kimmage said, “This will be my sixth Cycle Challenge in aid of the Nurses for Night Care service. On all my journeys with the IHF, I have heard many poignant and touching stories from my fellow cyclists about these inspirational nurses and the care they provide at the end of life. Nurses for Night Care allow people to spend their final days at home with their families. The gift of a peaceful and comfortable final chapter for our loved ones is one we all would love to give. In supporting the IHF Cycle Challenge, by taking part or through raising funds, we help to make this possible for more and more families.”

“I am delighted my daughter Evelyn will be able to join me for Cycle for Care 2020. We are encouraging cyclists of all abilities to join us on this stunning route through northern Italy. Its a hugely rewarding experience.”

The Kingspan-sponsored cycle has raised over €2 million for the IHF since it started in 2009. Over 4,500 families have been cared for by the Nurses for Night Care service with over 13,000 nights of care delivered since it was established.

IHF CEO Sharon Foley said: “The money raised through Cycle for Care 2020 will make such a huge difference to people and their families all over Ireland. It means they are able to spend their precious final moments together, at home. Each year, we are blown away by the dedication and support of our brilliant ambassadors, Paul Kimmage and his daughter Evelyn and of, course our incredible cyclists, to support this vital service. 90% of Irish Hospice Foundation funding comes directly from the public which means we couldn’t do what we do (like funding Nurse for Night Care) without you.”

This is a fantastic way to challenge yourself and see the stunning landscape of Northern Italy. Starting in Bassano, the route will take in remarkable scenery; including the iconic Stelvio pass and will end on the shores of Lake Como. Flights, accommodation, and full board are included and full details can be found at www.hospicefoundation.ie or by calling 01 6793188. Registration closes Friday, March 13. 

Nurses for Night Care

Nurses for Night Care is a free national service for people with illnesses other than cancer. It enables people to fulfil their wish to die at home. *Most people (74%) say they want to die at home but only around 23% actually do so, according to our research. In 2019, over 2226 nights of care were provided to over 693 families through Nurses for Night Care. The demand for the service grew by 20% in 2019 and continues to grow. About €800,000 is needed to fund the service in 2020.

The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF)

The Irish Hospice Foundation is the only national charity dedicated to dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. 80 people die every day in Ireland and the IHF believes everyone has the right to be cared for and to die with dignity and respect in their care setting of choice. Our mission is to strive for the best care at end of life and in bereavement, for all. The IHF campaigns to make excellence in hospice practices, bereavement, and end-of-life care a national priority and to stimulate the conversation about dying and bereavement in Ireland. The IHF receives core funding from Pobal from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government’s Scheme to Support National Organisations 2016-2019.

For full details, click here

For more stories on the Irish Hospice Foundation, click here.