Posted online: Jul 21st, 2010

By Lauren Harte
reporter

Two special young people will be remembered by a group of six local men as they get on their bikes tomorrow (Thursday) to cycle the length of Ireland for charity.
Those taking part hail from Ballintra and Ballyshannon and will be embarking on the 650 kilometre run after months of serious training and recent fundraisers including car washes, quizzes, a raffle and a dance.
The three day cycle is in memory of Bobby McCaffrey, the younger brother of Ted, one of the cyclists, who died by suicide aged 21 in 2007. Also being remembered is Lauren Doherty, the niece of fellow cyclist Stephen Doherty, who died of heart trouble aged six weeks, also three years ago. All funds raised will go directly to SpunOut.ie, a national youth organisation providing information and opportunities to young people, and to Ronald McDonald house, a facility for sick children and their families.
Speaking ahead of the cycle, Ted McCaffrey said his later brother Bobby, an apprentice plasterer and a keen boxer, was a very likeable person who got on with everybody.
“Unfortunately Bobby suffered from depression since his early teenage years. It had a major impact on his life. We know from Bobby’s experience how much needs to be done to improve mental health services. There needs to be an emphasis on positive youth mental health. Suicide is a huge problem and needs to be erased. By raising funds and awareness, we hope to help reduce this problem.”
On Monday, well known Irish skateboarder Alan Collins from Wicklow stopped off in Donegal Town on his gruelling journey in a bid to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI).
Supporters can follow progress of the Donegal cyclists on Facebook and via the website www.Mizen2Malin.com as well as donate online. On street fundraising for the event will take place on Friday morning in Ballyshannon and Donegal Town.